NDP stands with families taking sex ed roll-back to human rights court

QUEEN’S PARK– The official Opposition is standing firmly behind families who are challenging Doug Ford’s backward move to force students in Ontario to learn outdated sex ed curriculum.

Attorneys announced Thursday that there will be a human rights case, launched on behalf of an 11 year old trans youth with participation by numerous other families, that argues Doug Ford’s plan to use outdated sex-ed curriculum will harm children.

“If kids don’t see themselves in what they learn, if they don’t feel there is a safe space for them to just be themselves – of course that will cause harm,” said NDP MPP Peggy Sattler. “This case is urgent, and I hope these families will be successful.”

“Doug Ford is dragging Ontario backwards,” said NDP MPP Catherine Fife. “He is taking our province from bad to worse – and nowhere is that more evident than with his decision to put LGBTQ+ youth at risk by forcing the use of the old, 1998 sex ed curriculum.”

The 1998 curriculum does not include mention of same-sex families; it does not discuss sexting, cyber bullying or consent.

“This is about the safety of kids in Ontario. Parents speak passionately about the fact that the 1998 curriculum will mean that their kids do not have the information they need to stay safe. Doug Ford should listen to these families and do what’s best for the children of Ontario, he must stop prioritizing the wishes of his social conservative friends and start prioritizing the safety of young Ontarians,” said Sattler.