NDP concerned about 'gap in regulations' of qualified independent schools
Cody Hamilton says in 2013 he was called into the principal's office at Prairie Christian Academy after he confided in a friend that he was gay, during which he was told to “follow God instead” and to “Pray the gay away.”
Hamilton says the exchange with the principal followed “pretty intense times,” leading him to feel suicidal and move out of his parent's home at 18.
“I was strong enough to get through all the rough times, but I know there may not be students in the future who can be strong enough,” Hamilton said at the legislature on Thursday.
Now, he along with the NDP is calling into question the government’s stance that human rights are protected in qualifying independent schools.
“This government chose to fund these schools and have continued to harm students with their educational practices and human rights abuses,” said NDP education critic Matt Love.
According to the Registered Independent Schools Policy and Procedure Manual, churches, denominations and religious societies have the authority to separate from the state to operate schools but “not always in complete accordance with public education practices.”
“Churches don’t care about the safety of students. They care about making sure people stay in line with their beliefs,” Hamilton said.
He says if not for the “fear of hell” that was instilled in him by the church, he “probably would have taken his life.”
Love says the fix is to tie funding to the protection of human rights, adding the current oversight isn’t enough.
“In those regulations are exactly why things like this can happen, and they (the government) can plead ignorance,” he said.
In an email to CTV News, the Ministry of Education defended its government, saying the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code protects and promotes human rights and “discourages discrimination.”
It says all schools are subject to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are required to protect all students, “including those who may be at risk.” It’s against the law to discriminate because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Love says stronger regulations are needed to uncover human abuses like Hamilton experienced.
Correction
In the original story, Cody Hamilton's name was incorrect. It has been fixed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.