Rainbow Faith and Freedom is disappointed to learn of the Halton Catholic District School Board’s (HCDSB) decision to forbid the flying of the Pride flag outside its schools during the month of June.

The disheartening decision came after a Grade 12 student put forth a motion to fly the Pride flag at all HCDSB schools during Pride Month and to put “Safe Space” posters in all classrooms. The Board voted to allow the placement of one poster per school building.

“This school board has a persistent and shameful record of anti-LGBTQ actions tracing back to the late 1990s when programs and efforts to provide care to these students were repeatedly rejected,” says Joe Jamieson, President of Rainbow Faith and Freedom. “How much more harm to young people will occur at that board before it starts to treat LGBTQ persons with dignity and recognize all in their care as the unmistakable image of Christ”

It remains the belief of RFF that the elimination of religious-based LGBTQ2S+ discrimination serves to improve the human and equality rights of all. To continue to see such discrimination here in Canada is deeply disappointing and we hope for a change of heart at the HCDSB.

We will continue to observe the progress of this situation and we are ready, at any time, to collaborate with the HCDSB, should our advice and input be requested.

Further reading: https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/halton-district-catholic-school-board-denies-request-to-fly-pride-flag-in-june-1.5404774