New course on same-sex issues raises hackles

A B.C. parents group says it wants to have the same influence over the school curriculum as an activistgay couple working withthe Ministry of Education on a new gay and lesbian issues course.

Peter and Murray Corren ofCoquitlam had filed a human rights complaint seven years ago, accusing the Ministry of Education of discrimination against gay students and the children of same-sex partners

They dropped their complaintafter the ministry agreed to let them help establish a new elective course on social justice for the high school curriculum one that includes gay and lesbian issues.

They alsoget to meet with the deputy education minister every six months and comment on the guidelines for the province's curriculum review.

Balance needed, says parents group

BrianRoodnick ofConcerned Parents of B.C. says two individuals should not have the power to influence what is taught in the public school system.

"It seems strange to us that two individuals representing a special interest group would have that level of input where the parents of the children do not," he said.

"We want to see balance restored. And we think the best way to restore balance is to get the same level of access for parents to the curriculum in British Columbia."

Roodnick says his group is not anti-gay. He says he wants students to become more tolerant, but adds it is parents who should decide what their children are taught.

The new electivewillbe launched as a pilot program in September2007, and willbe added to the curriculum in 2008.