Bill 44: I want my children removed from courses containing heterosexuality

>>> Update: June 1, 2009 <<<

I'm very frustrated. Media coverage has been spotty and even incorrect in some cases regarding Bill 44. It is about the go through its final reading in a few minutes, I'm watching it live. Apologies for inconsistencies.

>>> End update <<<

Yeah right, like that would actually happen (and, really, I wouldn't want it to). But, according to the newly proposed Bill 44 in Alberta it will be a legal request enshrined in the human rights code. Of course the concern is really for the children of intolerant parents who now have the right to remove their children from courses on sexual orientation. What this really means is parents may have the right to remove their children from courses which may discuss, in any form, homosexuality. Heterosexuality is entrenched in every facet of our society--heteronormativity--and does not need formal curriculum; so really this bill is completely biased and will only breed homophobia.

Bill 44 will probably be pushed through by the wrong, but politically right (winged), CONservatives as a bill which amends the human rights code to recognize discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. That alone would have been fantastic, but I would not expect such a step forward from such a government. The debate over the bill was heated, lasting to about 3:30 AM last night, with many, if not all, of the non-CONservative MLA's putting forth their strongest arguments against this bill of breeding hate. It was nice to see some resistance.

The ramifications of this bill will be far reaching affecting everyone in this province chiefly governed by intolerance. Kids with same sex parents will be further ostracized as they will be unable to talk about their dads or moms without the permission of all the parents of their classmates beforehand. Adolescents who are discovering their sexuality will face even more homophobia as ignorance breeds intolerance which leads to hate. As the current young generation of children become adults, any who are sexual minorities will also face greater intolerance. The ramifications go far beyond the few scenarios I just depicted, the damage is only beginning to be inflicted.

This is one huge step backwards, Alberta. I am, yet again, deeply ashamed to be living in this province which I will never be able to call home (I must only endure eleven more months of this! :) ). Even when I no longer live in Alberta, I will still advocate for fair, equitable treatment for all, no matter where they live.