Burlington, Oakville and Milton Catholic schools will fly Pride flag as Halton school board reverses policy
Published January 19, 2022 at 1:51 am
Catholic schools in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and throughout Halton Region will be flying the Pride flag this June.
In a reversal of a decision made last year, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) has voted 6 to 3 in favour of displaying the flag during Pride Month.
The decision was made early this morning at the end of a five hour meeting that included several public delegations and a lengthy debate by trustees who at times also considered referring the matter to Catholic church officials (the motion was ruled out of order) as well as adding the flags of Canadian Indigenous people to June flag raising ceremonies (the motion was defeated).
The HCDSB now joins such Catholic boards in Toronto, Waterloo, Thunder Bay, Durham and Niagara in deciding to embrace the symbolism – one of inclusiveness – that the Pride flag represents for members of the LGBTQ community.
In presenting the motion again, Burlington Trustee Brenda Agnew believed that some of her colleagues would this time be swayed by members of the community and student leaders who have been advocating for the change in policy.
Still, the move is a controversial one as opponents say it supports same-sex unions which go against church teachings.
Videos
