Religious groups join in opposition to anti-bullying bill - Winnipeg Sun

Manitoba's Education Minister, Nancy Allan, introduced an anti-bullying action plan designed to make schools, the street and the internet safe and inclusive environments for students. Allan made the announcement at College Garden City on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.

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Opposition to a controversial anti-bullying bill is spreading in Winnipeg, as three religious groups have joined the push to press the NDP government to amend Bill 18.

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Adding to complaints from faith-based schools and some preachers, they argue the bill will erode religious freedoms.

The act requires all schools to allow student associations for a ?gay-straight alliance or any other name that is consistent with? an inclusive school environment along with those supporting gender equity, all sexual orientations, anti-racism, and students with disabilities.

Coptic Heritage Society of Manitoba secretary Adel Shenoda said he feels the inclusion of a gay-straight alliance means his children would be taught homosexuality is the norm, while his religion teaches it?s a sin.

?If we have to accept it, where is our freedom of religion? It?s not there,? said Shenoda, an Egyptian Orthodox church member. ?We don?t want them to start their life taught homosexuality is normal.?

Shenoda stressed the Bible teaches love for every human being but not the acceptance of every possible belief.

Winnipeg South MP Rod Bruinooge said concerns about the bill infringing on religious freedoms are valid.

?All these individuals speak for themselves,? said Bruinooge. ?My viewpoint is gay people clearly have rights in Canada. What I?m personally contesting is the infringement on religious rights.?

Manitoba Sikh Cultural and Seniors Centre president Amarjeet Warraich, Manitoba Islamic Association president Ismael Mukhtar, and Shenoda all shared letters opposing Bill 18 through Bruinooge?s office on Friday.

Bruinooge said he believes religious groups could support the bill if it were amended.

?I think some kind of compromise might be achievable,? said Bruinooge. ?I think there could be an exemption for theological schools working in a religious context.?

Education Minister Nancy Allan has stood firm on her view Bill 18 should be passed intact and stated amendments are not currently being considered. Allan has said repeatedly all Manitoba students deserve the same protection against bullying, so all efforts to combat it must be applied at every school.

Augustine United Church Minister Bob Gilbert supported the bill, arguing it may be most needed at religious schools, where gay and lesbian students may be targeted by fellow pupils who are taught homosexuality is a sin.

But Bruinooge said other religious teachings may actually mean those students are better protected from every type of bullying.

?All the world faiths I have become knowledgeable of ... are in the mindset that bullying is an absolute violation of the teachings of their faith group,? he said.

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Source: http://www.winnipegsun.com/2013/03/15/religious-groups-join-in-opposition-to-anti-bullying-bill

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