EDMONTON — Hundreds of protesters gathered at the steps of the Alberta legislature to argue against the new Education Act and how it impacts home schooling in the province.
Monday’s protest was organized by the Alberta Home Education Association, which supports and advises people who home school their children.
Their concern mainly is regarding the section that enshrines the Alberta Human Rights Act into the Education Act.
Parents are concerned the new act will infringe on their right to teach their children what they want, particularly on religious issues.
Barb Duteau home schools her three children and say all parents have the right to teach their morals and family values without the threat of court action.
She says it’s a matter of religious freedom.
Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk says nothing has changed for home educators.
“What you do at home, your values, you will not be asked to develop any particular curriculum,” Lukaszuk told the crowd. “There is no reason to believe that you will be required to do anything differently than you have up to now.”