This past couple weeks has been occupied with play practices, work, funerals, and lots of being taxi-dad! However the discussion about schools and what our government is looking to change in the education system seems to occupy much of my thoughts. I’m not going to use this blog post here to breakdown everything I like or don’t like about these changes… but I want to proclaim I am PROUD to be a Father! It’s truly and an honour and a blessing to be a dad to 4 great kids. We have our moments, yes, but to be able to watch them progress is such a reward that no paying job could ever offer.
In my life I am a very fair person. I am open-minded enough to accept personal life choices of others, even those that oppose my beliefs and up-bringing. I would hope that no one would ever say I was unfair to them or that they felt judged by me simply because I don’t agree with their lifestyle or certain choices. I stand firm in allowing people to make their own life decisions, as that is one of the God given rights we all enjoy in such a great country.
I’ve realized thru all the discussion happening around us that I, as my children’s father, must stand up for them when they cannot speak for themselves. The new “best practices” on LGBTQ learning environments in our schools is so far reaching and a complete over-reaction to real issues faced in our schools every day. I do not understand, nor do I agree with the guidelines- specifically the need to a “gender-neutral” learning environment. Why must our only solution to address the needs to trans-gendered students mean that all our children be treated as non-gendered entirely??
I firmly believe there are better ways to handle the needs of those young children who identify themselves with a different sex than they were born with. Why couldn’t those chosen to represent us allow elected school officials and their boards create customized solutions that meet the needs of their kids in their very own schools?? We all know that sometimes one solution does not fit all… so why would we as voters not be allowed to express our voice and let those education experts in our own schools enter into a dialogue that would work on solutions for our own schools??
In the mean time, I, as my children’s father, will educate and teach them the best way I see fit (of course the way Bonny teaches them 😉 … the Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows this. I will teach them to respect others, reserve judgment and not discriminate against people who don’t believe the same things they do. I don’t need someone else to teach this for me.
The Do Dad - life of a Mormon Dad 
Well said Greg except I would add that there is a huge potential danger to this move by those who would take advantage of our children..
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Excellent article, Greg. I want to comment because I think you’ve raised some valid points. I think, as much as many want to skirt around the issue of religion, or skirt around not offending the LGBTQ community, it still stands true that our beliefs shape us and how we think and feel on issues such as this, and that these issues threaten the very safety and security we should be able to feel.
Whether we are regular church going members of any religion or not, whether we are atheist, for LGBTQ, against LGBTQ or believers of a higher power or anything – just doesn’t matter. There is a very basic, important, fundamental principle that is being attacked and lost through all the hoopla – something that should be protecting us, whether it be through the U.S. constitution or through the Canadian Charter of rights and Freedoms. In Canada, Section 2 says this: http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1355931062024/1355931133880
Without these basic, fundamental principles, society would crumble. We must find common ground where mutual respect and tolerance are found. It is certainly not found in Bill 10 or the recent Guidelines For Best Practices as set out by the Minister of Education. I was criticized for saying LGBTQ are entitled to “some” rights. I really feel that was unfair attack because we are ALL entitled to “some” rights – but not at the expense of infringing upon another’s rights. Tolerance, mutual respect AND give-and-take are what makes a nation function well. No one should be forced to do something against their beliefs, whether it is associated with a particular religion or not, and the law has already provided for that.
A favourite video of mine in teaching these fundamental principles of beliefs and religion is here: “What is Religious Freedom?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAJGkQGz4yI
I think when people understand this principle, it helps everyone to see through the muddy waters of where some of this has headed – and is heading – if we are not careful.
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This a very real challenge that we face and that the next generation will be the ones that will have to manage the outcome. Your comment about ‘some rights’ is bang on. I firmly believe that when important decisions are made, that there is something that in turn is given up. Sometimes the ‘cost’ is negligible. Other times that cost is very significant. This discussion about education & LGBTQ is the later. What needs to happen (and is happening thanks to you and many others) is that words turn into action. We live in a society that generally just gives opinion… but we cannot compel real lasting change without hard work.
So I stand firm behind respectful debate and dialogue with our leaders. As a Councillor how could I not?!?! I hope that we can as a group of citizens show our concern and work with those to come to the table and work on a more “equitable” solution that everyone can live with.
I left my post public and hope and encourage people to share it and add your own comments.
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