Provincial representatives from CUPE, Sask. labour union and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) have voiced concerns over the speed with which Bill 137 was passed.
A trio of organizations has announced a joint application to intervene in the Court of Appeal case over Saskatchewan’s pronoun consent law.
Provincial representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) voiced concerns over the speed with which Bill 137 was passed and that the legislation “inflicts harm on youth,” in a news release issued Monday morning.
“I wish I didn’t have to say this, but CUPE has filed to intervene in the Court of Appeal case regarding Bill 137 — to help protect the Charter rights of Saskatchewan children and workers,” stated CUPE Saskatchewan president Kent Peterson in the news release.
“It shouldn’t have to come to this, but unfortunately here we are.”
The Parents’ Bill of Rights was passed in Saskatchewan last October and requires students under 16 to obtain parental or guardian consent for school staff to “use the pupil’s new gender-related preferred name or gender identity.”
The notwithstanding clause was invoked in the passing of the law, allowing it to stand regardless of whether it violates sections 2, 7 and 15 of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The ruling also means that the litigation may proceed to arguments, rejecting the provincial government’s claim that it is now “moot” as the policy was rescinded with the introduction of the bill.
“We support the advocacy of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation on an issue that deeply affects our profession. Saskatchewan teachers are committed to ensuring safe and welcoming learning environments,” stated Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) president Samantha Becotte in the release.
“Teachers must be able to exercise professional judgement and autonomy in supporting students and working with parents to help youth appropriately navigate challenges in their lives.”
More to come…
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