Gender and sexual diversity alliance legislation needed: NDP

Many positive steps have been taken to strengthen the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ2 community in Saskatchewan in the last number of years, but much more can be done. NDP Diversity, Equality and Human Rights critic David Forbes notes that one important step would be to support Saskatchewan youth by providing legislation to enshrine Gender and Sexual diversity Alliances (GSAs).

“Now, more than ever, is the time for everyone – whether you’re a legislator, someone who identifies within the LGBTQ2 community or as an ally – to come together and find concrete solutions that will help ensure the end to the discrimination and violence that still occur on a daily basis,” said Forbes.

Forbes said it is long past time for legislation to be passed that will give every student in the province the right to form a GSA in their school.

“This is a simple step, but it’s a powerful one,” Forbes said. “We know there are gay students throughout the province who are afraid to come out or are afraid to ask their teachers for help in starting a GSA. With this legislated right, we can work to end that fear.”

Forbes added that studies have shown that rates of discrimination, suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts have dropped in schools that have had a GSA established for three or more years.

Both Manitoba and Alberta have legislation that makes it mandatory for schools to accommodate a student’s request to start a GSA.

Latest posts

CARLA BECK GOVERNMENT WOULD RESTORE DIRECT-TO-LANDLORD RENT PAYMENTS AS MOOSE JAW FACES RISING HOMELESSNESS

More Affordable Housing, Rent Control Also Part Of Plan Being Developed By Beck’s Team
MOOSE JAW – Carla Beck’s team is in Moose Jaw today committing that, should they form the next provincial government, her team will restore direct-to-landlord rent payments for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) clients.

CARLA BECK’S TEAM BRINGS PRIMARY CARE PLAN TO PRINCE ALBERT, GUARANTEES EVERY PERSON HAS A FAMILY PHYSICIAN

PRINCE ALBERT – Yesterday, Carla Beck’s team released the first phase of their plan to deliver big, bold changes in healthcare for Saskatchewan, which starts with prioritizing primary care. Today, MLA Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Minister for Health, has brought the plan to Prince Albert to discuss how it can revitalize healthcare for residents in the area.

CARLA BECK’S BIG, BOLD HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION STARTS WITH GUARANTEED ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE TEAM

Four-Pillar Plan Will Build Healthcare Homes, Connect Local Services and Bring Care Closer to People
SASKATOON – Carla Beck’s team is unveiling the first phase of its plan to transform the province’s struggling healthcare system — guaranteeing every Saskatchewan resident access to a primary care team that knows them, coordinates their care and is responsible for them over time.

SCOTT MOE NEEDS TO REVERSE ELIMINATION OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE TESTING PROGRAM

Carla Beck’s Team Stand With Hunters To Decry Shortsighted, Out-Of-Touch Decision By Sask. Party

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is continuing to join widespread calls from hunters and wildlife groups for Scott Moe to reverse his senseless cut to chronic wasting disease testing. The decision was made without consultation or warning in the middle of Saskatchewan's hunting season.

NDP Caucus Office