Friday, June 20, 2014

Marching in Pride parade is an ‘internal union matter’, defiant Ontario Catholic Teachers Association head says


Ontario’s English Catholic teachers’ union does not have to follow church teachings, its president says, as controversy grows over its plans to participate in Toronto’s World Pride parade next Sunday.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association still plans to march, despite opposition from some Catholic boards and even Toronto’s cardinal, said union president James Ryan.

While teachers working for Catholic boards must abide by church teachings in the classroom, he said, participation in a parade known for its nudity and gay pride is allowed because it is an “internal union” activity.

“I think most employers recognize this is an internal union matter and they don’t involve themselves in union matters,” Mr. Ryan said.

In March, the OECTA voted to send a contingent of more than 100 to the parade as a visible and vocal message that Catholic-school teachers in the province want students to feel supported and free from discrimination.  (more...)





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