The majority of Catholics in Alberta support gay-straight alliances according to a survey released last week.
The survey of 1,000 Alberta, which was conducted between Dec. 8 and Dec. 11 by the Canadian marketing firm Leger, found that 52 per cent of Catholics in the province support GSA's.
A total of 18 per cent of those surveyed were opposed to the creation of clubs that support gay youths, while the remaining 30 per cent were neither for nor against GSA's.
Dr. Kristopher Wells, a professor at the University of Alberta, feels the results are a clear indicator that many elected officials in the province need to reassess their views.
"When only 18 per cent of Catholics are opposed to gay-straight alliances, this is an indicator of how far Albertans have moved on LGBTQ issues and a stunning reflection on how far Alberta's elected officials have fallen behind their constituents," said Wells.
"In Alberta today, there are over 90 gay-straight alliances in Public Schools; yet there still has not been a single GSA allowed by a Catholic school board," added Wells. "Whether it is the Catholic school boards or the Premier and his colleagues, it is time for someone to show the courage to do the right thing. It is time for Alberta to stick up for its kids."
Locally, the Lakeland Catholic School Division (LCSD) currently does not have a gay-straight alliance in any of their schools.
Board Chair Mary Anne Penner, says that the board doesn't feel GSA's would follow the school boards policy of including everyone.
"If we start putting gay-straight alliances in, to us it looks more as though we are excluding rather than including," said Penner. "It is not something that we would see as being a step towards inclusion in our schools. If we start setting up one (club) we could end up starting up clubs for any or all things depending on what they want and to me that is not inclusion that is exclusion."
Although LCSD doesn't feel GSA's would help inclusion, Penner did say that their schools work hard to make sure all students are accepted and feel as though they belong.
"We as a Catholic community believe that all people are loved and accepted as children of god and that each person is treated with dignity and respect regardless of heritage, race, status, body image, or sexual orientation," said Penner. "Every child is equal and supported in Catholic schools and (locally) in our schools."
Schools in the LCSD, along with all of the other Catholic schools in the province, have adopted the Safe and Caring School Environment Policy.
According to Penner, this policy promotes safe and inclusive environments, especially for students who might be suffering from bullying, abuse or violence. She feels the schools in the region are doing their best to stop bullying and promote equality.
"I mean we are not perfect but we definitely try to ensure that every child feels welcome, respected and that they are treated with dignity from their schools," said Penner. "It doesn't make any difference who they are, what their background is or anything else, they are people and the children of god."
Genia Leskiw, MLA for Bonnyville/ Cold Lake, supports the creation of gay-straight alliances, but also understands the difficulty of the topic.
"Do I believe in gay-straight alliances? Absolutely. If (students) want one, should they get one? Absolutely. I have no qualms about that at all, but it is not that simple," said Leskiw.
"What about the constitutional rights of the Catholic School system? Or the autonomy of the school board? Why bother having a school board if you are going to dictate to them what they can and cannot have. I also believe in the rights of a parent. So here you have to balance individual rights, parental rights and the autonomy of a school board."
Leskiw referred to Bill 202, the first Bill dealing with gay-straight alliances, as an "all or nothing" Bill. She voted on the first reading to support Bill 10, which was introduced by the PC's. Although she has received some flack for the vote, she stands behind her decision to support the Bill, citing the topic as being an "emotional issue."
Leskiw, who was a teacher in the region for many years, feels the local schools are doing their best to create a safe and accepting atmosphere.
"I just believe all of our schools in our area are all inclusive and are doing the best job they can to serve the children. It is all about the kids," said Leskiw.
"It isn't that important that it has to be called (a gay straight alliance). The Catholic School system in our area has an inclusive, caring environment. If they chose not to (create) a GSA's is it that big of a deal?"