Christian activist Charles McVety is shown in Toronto on May 26, 2005.
As reported in today's Globe, Premier Dalton McGuinty is updating Ontario's curriculum. Amongst the most "controversial" changes are those being taught to the youngest students affected by the changes:
"Some of the most controversial changes are in the Grade 3 curriculum. In a discussion on human development and showing respect for people's differences, for example, teachers are invited to discuss 'invisible differences,' including gender identity and sexual orientation, in an effort to reflect the fact that more and more students have same-sex parents. "
Not surprisingly, this upsets certain right-wing activists:
"Christian right leader Charles McVety, who is also part of the coalition, said it is unconscionable to teach children as young as eight years old gender identity and sexual orientation. He accused the Premier of listening to 'special interest groups with an agenda,' including former education minister Kathleen Wynne, who is openly gay. "
Boy, where to start. How about with the Leader of the Opposition. The questions Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak needs to answer are:
1. Does he see homosexuals in Ontario as a "special interest group with an agenda"?
2. If yes, what exactly is that agenda?
3. At what age does he think Ontario students are old enough to learn about sexual orientation? 10? 12? 15? 18? Or is it something that we should never discuss with students?
4. Does he agree with McVety's specific attack on Kathleen Wynne or will he denounce Mr. McVety for accusing her of being a member of some nefarious "special interest group" simply because of her sexual orientation?
Tim Hudak's a good guy and a smart guy. I don't think he's a bigot and I don't think he hates gay people. I think cutting Mr. McVety loose and having nothing to do with his planned protest is both the right and smart thing for Hudak to do. The ball is in his court.
(File photo: Donald Weber/The Globe and Mail)