Saskatchewan NDP says law needed for gay straight alliances for students

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REGINA — Saskatchewan’s Opposition leader says the government needs to pass legislation to give students the right to gay-straight alliances in school.

The Opposition tabled a private member’s bill in April that focused on anti-bullying.

Cam Broten said in question period that the bill would help students to feel safe and respected at school.

Education Minister Don Morgan says school divisions have to provide gay-straight alliances for students when they are requested and legislation isn’t necessary.

The alliances are peer-support groups for gay students that are meant to make them feel welcome and prevent them from being bullied.

Morgan adds that a resolution was passed unanimously at the latest Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation convention in support of gay-straight alliances.

Broten says the onus shouldn’t be on the students to reach out for help and gay-straight alliances should be legislated.