Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties supports mom fighting for LGBTQ rights in classroom

The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties (MARL) is concerned about the response of the Hanover School Division to a request for more inclusiveness in its classrooms.

Last week Michelle McHale made a request to the Hanover School Division to drop rules preventing teachers in Grades 5 to 8 from speaking with students about homosexuality. McHale learned of the policy after she raised concerns about her child being bullied for having two moms.

• Steinbach-area mom shocked that school division prohibits conversations around sexual orientation

"We hope that the school division will realize that this issue is bigger than just one family," said Michelle Falk, executive director of MARL.

"There are a lot of LGBTQ families that need these kinds of protections and they need acknowledgement. They need to feel like if they come forth with an issue they will be heard and embraced."

In an email to CBC, the Hanover School Division said any comment on McHale's request would be "premature."

MARL is concerned about the lack of response from the division and wants stronger legislation that would ensure that all Manitoba schools include LGBTQ families in the curriculum.

She wants the next education minister to address the Hanover School Division's policies.

"I think it will be a very different political landscape if the government changes to the PCs. My concern is that these kinds of issues will have a less favourable ear in government if the government changes," said Falk.

When asked about whether the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives support the rights of LGBT Manitobans, a spokesperson stated in an email, "Mr. (Brian) Pallister has repeatedly stated on the record that not only does he support the process by which decisions on matters of such importance as same-sex marriage are debated in Canadian Parliament, but he accepts and welcomes the decision made by the House of Commons. This issue is positively resolved and Canadian society is moving forward."

MARL's statement is the latest message of support for Michelle McHale who wants the division to be more inclusive when talking about different types of families. The Steinbach-area mom is experiencing backlash, with one Facebook post threatening her life.

Falk wants the school division to open dialogue with the community in order to better address diversity in the classroom.

"I think the particular religious and conservative community where Hanover School Division is located has taken precedent over equality, but it's important to point out that while religious freedoms are very important, they don't excuse discrimination of certain groups," said Falk.

The next Hanover School Division school board meeting is May 3.