He said the Gay-Straight Alliance model is "so closely related to a movement with particular views concerning the human person and the issues of life" that people who disagree with those views are "understandably concerned" that it will not only address bullying but will promote those values.
Cardinal Collins asked why Catholics are not free to design their own methods to fight bullying and provide students with support as long as Catholics "attain the common goal of a welcoming and supportive school."
"Why must they instead be compelled to accept a particular method that comes from a different approach to the great issues of life?" he asked.
"All of those who care about Catholic education are committed to assuring that Catholic schools are formed by the principles of the Gospel, in which all people are treated with love and respect," Cardinal Collins stated. "Catholic schools must be places where each person is received as Christ."
He said the parliamentary proposal undermines adult authority and prevents the adults responsible for the schools from questioning whether a Gay-Straight Alliance is the most effective method to help students.
The cardinal related that Catholic and non-Catholic parents of students have voiced concern about the proposal to impose the alliances. Non-Catholic parents often send their children to Catholic schools "precisely because they expect a particular approach to life which is largely in harmony with their family and faith convictions."
Cardinal Collins urged Catholics to reflect on the implications of the proposed change in policy and how it advances the "extraordinary privileging" of one anti-bullying method.
At the same time, he asked supporters of the alliances to consider the implications of legislation that "overrides the deeply held beliefs of any faith community."
"If it happens to us, it can happen to you, on this and other issues. When religious freedom becomes a second class right, you also will eventually be affected," he said.
Catholic educators are seeking the amendment's defeat but have not decided whether to make a constitutional challenge to the bill if it passes.
Gazzola told CNA it is "premature" to comment on any religious freedom issues regarding the bill before it is passed in the legislature.
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He said Ontario opponents of the proposed amendment should contact their Member of the Provincial Parliament and the Minister of Education.
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.