Student gay-straight alliances focus of private member's bill

A private members bill compelling school boards to allow students to form gay-straight alliances will be tabled in the Alberta legislature on Thursday.

Bill 202, the Safe and Inclusive Schools Act, also aims to repeal a controversial section of the Alberta Human Rights Act, that forces schools to notify parents whenever religion, sexuality or sexual orientationis discussed in the classroom.

Liberal MLA Laurie Blakeman hopes she will winsupport from other parties for her bill.

I'm hoping my stars are going to line up for this one, she said.

Although theWildrose Party didn't support a motion on gay-straight alliances last spring, leader Danielle Smith said she would likely support Blakemans bill.

I've met with a number of students who have been involved in those kind of clubs, Smith said Tuesday. I understand why they need a safe place and an accepting place to be able to talk about their sexual orientation.

The question remains whether the Tories with their 61of 87 seats will support the legislation. Premier Jim Prentice isnt planning to comment on Bill 202 until he sees the wording.

Blakeman has heard contradictory information on whether they will back her bill.

I think its kind of a minute-by-minute thing, she said. I wouldnt want to put money on this one. I have no idea.

As for the Wildrose, Blakemanthinksa number ofWildroseMLAs will support what she says is a bill to protect vulnerable children.