One of the most far-reaching and controversial pieces of legislation affecting education in the province has been passed by Smith government MLAs.
Applying to students at all grade levels, the Eduction Amendment Act 2024 (Bill 27) sets out new rules related to student gender identify, sexual orientation, sex education, and learning during public health emergencies.
The government says the changes are designed to increase school board transparency and to strengthen parent oversight of their children’s education; critics calls it an attack on vulnerable students and gross overreach by the UCP government.
One part of the legislation requires school authorities to notify parents and provide the opportunity to opt their child in where courses, programs of study or instructional materials, instruction, or exercises include subject matter that deals primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality.
In the past, parents could opt-out their children from sex education courses; now explicit permission is required for students to receive sexual education in schools.
The legislation also requires minister of education approval of learning and teaching resources, as well as external parties and their resources, for topics primarily and explicitly related to gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality.
For her part, Premier Smith says her government’s change to the education system vis-a-vis sex education and gender identify have the support of most Albertans.
“For a child’s mental health, parents need to know what’s going on,” said Smith. “Parents have the right to care for, teach and protect their children.”
Calling Bill 27 “anti-trans legislation," the Canadian Civil Liberties Association said “The passage of these intrusive laws will severely erode the liberty of individuals and families to make deeply personal decisions about their lives.”
The major changes made by the Smith government through Bill 27 will certainly directly impact the education of many thousands of Alberta students for years to come.
Unless, of course, the legal challenges expected to be launched by critics re-rail the profound upheavals triggered by this controversial legislation.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
