Scrap classroom bill: Edmonton protesters

Protesters who gathered outside the Alberta legislature in Edmonton are still angry about Bill 44, which gives parents the option of excusing their child from class while subjects of sexual education and religion are being taught.

Organized by Edmonton's Queer Allied Network, the 30 or so protesters, including Liberal MLA Laurie Blakeman and NDP MLA Rachel Notley, said Wednesday the bill is flawed and the parental rights clause should be scrapped.

They say it sends the message that not all people are equal and that homosexuality is abnormal.

"The ability of parents to shelter their children from human rights education, from tolerance and respect has been enshrined in legislation today and that is a sad thing," Notley told the protesters.

The new legislation came into effect Wednesday through changes made to the Human Rights Act over a year ago. A school's failure to comply with the new rules could result in a human rights commission hearing.

Brendan Van Alstine, Ward 7 candidate for city council, said it singles out religious groups and sexual minorities.

"It just doesn't belong in the Human Rights Act. If they're going to play something that affects education, they should probably put it in the School Act," he told CBC News.

Alberta Education has identified nine courses that will require notification, including studies on religious ethics, parenting and aboriginal spiritual views.

Alberta Liberals and NDP continue to call on the Ed Stelmach government to scrap the addition of parental rights in the Human Rights Act, saying the issue should be dealt with under the School Act instead.