EDMONTON — Alberta politicians have postponed the final vote on controversial changes that gives parents the right to pull their kids out of class if the subject material is about religion or sexual orientation.
The Tory-dominated members of the legislature agreed after a late night debate this week to keep in the provision that will require schools to give notice to parents before teaching about religion or sexual orientation.
The provision also allows parents to pull their kids out of those classes. But the proposed law doesn’t allow parents to take their children out of class if questions on sex, religion or sexual orientation comes up unexpectedly during classroom discussions.
Opposition members of the legislature and the Alberta Teachers Association said the adjustments are nothing more than a minor tweak.
Premier Ed Stelmach said earlier this week that members of his caucus will be able to vote freely on the bill next week.