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| Markham Press Conference on Bill 13 |
The results of the survey showed an overwhelming majority of respondents, 90%, do not support Bill 13. Further, the findings concluded the following:
1. Schools should not be educating four year-old children about sexual knowledge;
2. Schools should not be asking Grade 3 children to act out their own pride parade as a strategy to fight bullying;
3. Schools should not establish gay-straight alliances;
4. MPPs should consult with their constituents about the contents of Bill 13;
5. Bill 13 should be put to a referendum.
This is welcome news for all those opposing the radical changes in education through Bill 13. At the press conference, copies of the report were handed to those present and to reporters who were there covering the event for the media. Regrettably, as usual the mainstream media were absent. The major media players on this issue, with the exception of Sun TV, have been irresponsible in their coverage of both, the Equity and Inclusive Education policy and currently with Bill 13, by assuming that this legislation needs to pass and so public discussion and information are not necessary. This is hardly equitable and inclusive journalism.
The Alliance for Family Values state in the report that they support "the principle of anti-bullying. The AVF respects all people, and stands by the principle that all are equal and should be treated as such and therefore should not be bullied. With such a common ideal, parents, community organizations, non-religious groups and religious, have gathered together to form the AVF to help to have an effect on legislation that would treat all citizens as equal and protect everyone form being bullied." Yes, let's teach our children to respect and care for everyone and not single out any group because of numerous and fluid socially constructed sexual orientations. A good law should neither indoctrinate nor should it psychologically and morally abuse children.
Peter Chan, from the Chinese Canadian Political Action Committee of Ontario, introduced the significance of the press conference and welcomed everyone. There were a number of invited speakers from various organizations to talk about their concerns regarding Bill 13. These were the listed speakers on the agenda: David Kong, Chinese Catholic Task Force, Samuel Chan, Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, Rev. Jimmy Li, Toronto Chinese Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship, Kenny Tsui, Air Cadets, Charles McVety, Institute for Canadian Values, Ron Banerjee, Canadian Hindu Advocacy Group, Jim Kwan, Voice of Markham, Rev. Minho Song, Korean Churches Association, Allan Tam, School Trustee, Rev. Dominic Tse, Alliance for Family Values, Sam Hundal and Lyn Jackson. Each speaker made different and convincing arguments on why Bill 13 should not become Ontario law. But one thing they all strongly agreed with: the government is not listening to the will people and that Bill 13 as proposed is misguided legislation.
In conclusion, the AVF recommendations challenge the government to settle this issue with a referendum. If the McGuinty government truly believes in democracy, then they should listen to this advice and to the majority of the people of Ontario. We applaud and support the efforts of AVF and all those who spoke so eloquently in defence of religious freedom and parental rights at this press conference. Nobody can play the dangerous game of the politics of correctness with the lives of children and get away with it for too long.
