Manitoba’s education minister not prepared to compromise on proposed bully law

WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s education minister says she won’t compromise on proposed anti-bullying legislation that would force schools to accommodate gay and lesbian support groups.

Nancy Allan says all students deserve a safe and caring learning environment.

Some religious schools are upset over Bill 18 because it proposes that schools must allow student groups that promote respect for sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Opposition Progressive Conservatives say the law strips faith-based schools of the right to set rules according to their beliefs.

The bill is expected to go to public hearings in the spring before being passed into law.

Opponents have already started a letter-writing campaign to legislature members.

The bill is based partly on a similar anti-bullying law in Ontario.