Parental consent necessary for a change in pronouns at school, says PC leadership hopeful

A candidate vying for the leadership of Newfoundland and Labrador's Progressive Conservative party says he would be in favour of adopting policies requiring parental consent for a student to use their preferred name or pronouns in school.

During a sit-down interview with CBC News on Thursday, Eugene Manning was asked about New Brunswick's Policy 713, which requires all students under 16 to seek parental consent to allow them to use their preferred name or pronouns in school.

Manning, who said he hasn't read the policy, told CBC News that parents have a right to know what's happening with their children.

"We teach our children from the very beginning that there are no secrets from Mom and Dad, especially with another adult that they're not going to share with their parents. And I feel strongly on that," Manning said Thursday.

"I can't speak to that legislation because I haven't read it. But yes, the parent should be part of that conversation. I think parents know what's in the best interest of their child."

When the policy was enacted in 2020, it originally required schools to respect students' chosen pronouns and preferred names, aimed at protecting students who identified as trans or non-binary and didn't feel safe at home. But the province's Progressive Conservative government revised the policy in May to require parental consent in every circumstance.

The policy's critics say it violates students' rights and will hurt those who don't feel they can safely come out to their parents.

Manning's position on the policy cost him the support of a campaign volunteer earlier this year: Greg Smith, who said in July he left Manning's team due to his views on Policy 713.

The leadership hopeful said he knows his stance might cost him "a few votes."

"But look, that I think is the difference. That's what I'm trying to do here. If I believe it, I'll say it. You and I might not always agree, but you'll know where I stand."

On Wednesday, during a series of protests against LGBTQ rights and policies in schools, some members of Newfoundland and Labrador's PC Party stood with counter-protesters in support of LGBTQ rights, including Topsail-Paradise MHA Paul Dinn.

"Members of our party and caucus have attended each No Space for Hate rally and will continue to do so in the future," Dinn said in a party statement sent to CBC News.

"The message from our party is simple and clear: hate has no place in Newfoundland and Labrador." 

Opponents, party respond

When asked about Manning's position, his opponents in the leadership race, Lloyd Parrott and Tony Wakeham, didn't directly say whether they would adopt similar policies.

In a statement, Parrott said he has no place for discrimination in his politics.

"I strongly believe people hold the power to live freely and true to themselves and not subject to hate or discrimination," said Parrott's statement.

"Rights are set to serve everyone, children included. Acceptance and love is what I support, division and intolerance hold no place in my life or in politics."

In his own statement, Wakeham said conversations should be focused on open dialogue and evidence that supports both children and their parents.

"Each child and family's circumstances are uniquely different, and they should feel supported in the many complex issues they have to deal with. The one constant is that everything must be centred on determining the best interests of the child," Wakeham said.

Interim PC Leader David Brazil also issued a statement to CBC News on Friday, saying the party believes the best interests of the child are "first and foremost in this conversation" and that party policies will be "guided by direct and full consultation with all stakeholders involved."

"We await to see how this matter will play out through the court system in other jurisdictions to ensure the best guidance before any policy is proposed."

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