Position on GSAs won't hurt party: Cooper

Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper doesn't think his party – the United Conservative Party – will be hurt by its position on gay-straight alliances (GSAs).

GSAs are student-led clubs in middle and high schools that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) as well as straight students can join to discuss issues that concern them and to support each other. They also organize social activities and advocate for policies to support their concerns.

Late last year, the legislature passed Bill 24, which would make it illegal for teachers to tell parents their child has joined a GSA without the child's consent. The NDP government had introduced the bill in the fall, sparking a couple of weeks of stormy debate on the matter.

The UCP opposed the bill.

"Teachers, not politicians, should decide when it makes sense to engage parents. The unique circumstances of each child should be the key factor, not the blunt instrument of law," Leader Jason Kenney said.

He told reporters his party is not in favour of "outing" LGBTQ kids but a parent's right to know should not be limited by law.

During an interview with the Albertan, Cooper was asked if he feels his party is going to be hurt by its position on the bill.

"You know, I don't think so. I think that particularly for constituents in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills here, having strong parental involvement in education is of utmost importance," he said.

"I said during the summer and I'll say it again: I'm supportive of GSAs. I think that if GSAs save one life, that was a great reason to have them. And I don't think that on balance it's going to be a significant setback in any way, shape or form."

Cooper said educators should have a role in the matter, and "that we shouldn't close the barriers to communication." However, "obviously, I think incredible discretion needs to be used."

He said he plans to visit a GSA this month.