Alberta Education Minister meets with Catholic bishops to discuss LGBTQ policies

Alberta’s Education Minister met with Provincial Catholic leaders over the province’s recent gender identity policy guidelines.

Minister David Eggen held discussions with the Archbishop of Edmonton Richard Smith,Calgary Bishop Fred Henry, St. Paul Bishop Paul Terrio and Auxiliary Bishop Greg Bittman.

The meeting is in response to Provincial Catholic bishops coming out against Alberta’s policy guidelines for schools. These guidelines protect students regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Eggen says he’s trying to be inclusive of religious views when it comes to new gender identity policies.

“I see a way we can sort this out based on safe and caring spirit for schools that we all share and I’m certainly looking for a way by which we can accommodate theological beliefs and the letter of the law.”

Archbishop Smith didn’t elaborate on what was discussed but says progress towards compromise is coming along.

“Given this opportunity for open and frank dialogue, it gives me a certain confidence now that we’ll find a way forward that respects all including the stance of the Catholic Church.”

The province set guidelines in January to help protect those who identify as LGBQT in schools.

Alberta’s 61 school boards have until March 31 to come up with policies to support and protect students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.