Toronto, Canada, Jun 7, 2012 / 03:10 am
Catholic schools in the province of Ontario will abide by a law requiring them to allow "Gay-Straight Alliance" clubs, despite concerns about the loss of religious freedom.
"The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario has expressed serious concerns regarding certain aspects of this legislation, as have numerous other individual citizens and groups," said Cardinal Thomas C. Collins of Toronto, after the Ontario Legislature passed the measure known as Bill 13.
"Recognizing that the 'Accepting Schools Act' is now the law, Catholic partners will seek, as we have always done, in a way that is in accord with our faith, to foster safe and welcoming school communities," Cardinal Collins said in a June 5 statement.
The cardinal reaffirmed that bullying "in any form, is unacceptable." He also stressed the Church's commitment "to welcome every person with love and respect."