The union representing the majority of Ontario’s Catholic school teachers has drawn criticism from Catholic clergy and parts of the Catholic community for its decision to march in this month’s World Pride parade in Toronto.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association voted at its annual meeting in March to join in the June 29 parade to show support for gay-straight alliances in schools and for members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. The union expects to walk behind its banner with other labour groups and is limited by parade restrictions to 100 marchers.
“Our presence in this parade is a symbol of our support for students, teachers and others in the LGBTQ community and the discrimination and persecution that they face,” said James Ryan, the union’s president this week. “I’ve also been very clear that we do support Catholic teachings on chastity … we’ve been very clear about what our participation means and what it doesn’t mean.”
Since the March vote however, the union has faced calls to withdraw from the international march from some school board trustees, parents, members of Catholic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and criticism from Ontario bishops. (more...)
OECTA proudly accepts its Gummy Bear Award:
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