ONTARIO EDUCATION MINISTER SUPPORTS RAISING PRIDE FLAG BUT WON’T INTERVENE IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD DECISION

Ontario’s Education Minister says he supports raising the rainbow flag at publicly-funded schools as an indication of inclusion to LGBTQ students, but he won’t direct boards to do so during Pride month in June – leaving the decision to parents and local communities.

Stephen Lecce made the comments on Monday after some attendees at a recent Toronto-area Catholic school board meeting last week expressed vocal opposition to the practice.

Mr. Lecce recognized the raising of the Pride flag as a tradition in government, across political parties.