In Alberta, Canada, parents can opt their children out of classes where objectional material is discussed, according to
cbcnews.ca. The schools will be required to notify the parents when such subjects as evolution and sex will be covered, and they will be given a chance to opt their children out. Some feel it's an effort to give Alberta a new image
From CBC News:
A controversial Alberta bill will enshrine into law the rights of parents to pull their children out of classes discussing the topics of evolution and homosexuality.
The new rules, which would require schools to notify parents in advance of "subject-matter that deals explicitly with religion, sexuality or sexual orientation," is buried in a bill that extends human rights to homosexuals. Parents can ask for their child to be excluded from the discussion.
"This government supports a very, very fundamental right and that is parental rights with respect to education," said Premier Ed Stelmach. Although Stelmach has confirmed the bill will give parents the authority to exclude their kids from classes if the topic of evolution comes up, Education Minister Dave Hancock said it won't change anything.
"With respect to values, religion and sex education have always been areas of concern for parents, and they've always been areas parents have had the right to be notified about and to exempt their students from," Hancock said.
Not surprisingly, the Alberta Teacher's Association and NDP don't agree with the proposed legislation:
NDP Leader Brian Mason likened the bill to Alberta recently using a photo of a British beach in an ad to promote the province.
"This government just spent $25 million of taxpayers money to give
Alberta a new image. All they've done is make Alberta look like Northumberland and sound like Arkansas," Mason said.
The new legislation is expected to go into effect in the next few weeks.
