WINNIPEG — A Manitoba teenager who was initially not allowed to advertise a gay-straight alliance club in his high school has spoken in favour of the provincial government’s proposed anti-bullying bill.
Evan Wiens of Steinbach addressed legislature public hearings Monday night on Bill 18.
Wiens, who is 17, says a double standard was being set in his school by allowing local churches to come in and hold morning prayers, while advertising of his group was banned.
The school initially blocked the advertising, saying the club and the proposed law allowing it infringed on religious freedoms.
Some people have told the committee that Bill 18 uses too broad a definition of bullying, and would put teachers at risk of being labelled a bully for simply disciplining a student.