Alberta is launching an inquiry into a Christian school authority ordered by the province to allow gay-straight alliances in its schools.
Education Minister David Eggen says he sent a letter asking for written assurance from the Independent Baptist Christian Education Society that it was complying with the law.
The society responded with a letter from its lawyer which Eggen says was inadequate.
“They did not change the position from the comments that they had in the media previously and so forth, and so based on that I am launching an inquiry into this matter,” he explained.
Pastor Brian Coldwell, chair of the authority, has said the province is violating charter guarantees on freedom of religion.
Eggen says the province has asked a third party to probe the school authority and a report is expected back within several months.
He has the option to pull the schools’ charter or funding, but says he’s looking for a way to resolve the problem.
There are some concerns this could land the province in an expensive court battle but Premier Rachel Notley believes that’s a risk they have to take.
“When it comes to ensuring that the laws of the province and the laws of the constitution and through the charter are applied to all people who need the protection given by those laws, then if the courts get involved, the courts involved,” Notley said, adding she feels she has the support of Albertans on this issue.
“I’ve been very proud to see the majority of Albertans share our desire to create an inclusive, respectful province.”
Kris Wells, an advocate for LGBTQ rights, says he doesn’t know why an inquiry is needed, adding the pastor is clearly not complying with the law.
