As Vanier Catholic Secondary School students and Yukoners of all ages gathered outside the legislature last Thursday afternoon to protest a controversial policy on homosexuality, opposition parties pushed the government to take concrete action on the issue.

Jim Tredger, the NDP's Education critic, urged the government "to immediately and fully enforce Education policy on sexual orientation and gender identity in all Yukon schools,” and "to ensure all schools are inclusive and deliver human rights education to all Yukon students.”

Sandy Silver, the interim leader of the Liberal party, addressed Vanier's policy in his first motion of the sitting as well.

He urged the government to "ensure students are able to attend school free of discrimination based on sexual orientation,” that "schools provide safe, welcoming, inclusive and affirming learning environments for all students,” that "all policies in place in Yukon schools comply with the Yukon Human Rights Act,” and that it enforces "its sexual orientation and gender identity policy in all Yukon schools, including Vanier Catholic Secondary School.”

Tredger raised the issue again during question period. He asked Education Minister Scott Kent what he is doing to "ensure that our schools are safe, diverse and inclusive environments for all students, parents and staff.

"Maybe more importantly, what is the minister prepared to do if our laws continue to be broken?” he asked.

Kent refused, as he has consistently, to outline just how far he is willing to go if Bishop Gary Gordon refuses to fully adopt the department's sexual orientation and gender identity policy.

"A dialogue has begun with the school community and those involved at Vanier school,” the minister told the house.

"I met with the bishop for an hour (last Thursday) morning. I'm committed to meeting with the school council (this) week.

"We have to engage the entire school community on this.

"I've been very active on this file. I intend to continue to be very active on this file as we look to make sure that all students, no matter what school they go to, feel safe and welcome in their schools.”

Kent also noted he has spoken with counterparts in Saskatchewan and Alberta about the situation, as both jurisdictions also have publicly funded Catholic school systems.

Matthew Grant, the director of cabinet communications, said neither minister could offer much advice, as neither had encountered a similar issue before.

"For over a month, we have heard stories of gay students being bullied, of lockers defaced with obscenities and that policy and law have not been followed,” Tredger noted.

"Students have been told that if they don't like it, they can leave. Many teachers, indeed, have left the school and more are asking for transfers.

"Every year, the members of the legislative assembly wear pink, wear symbols and pay symbolic tribute to ending homophobic bullying in our schools.

"Symbols are not enough. As parents, educators and role models, we want our children to trust us, to tell us what is going on in their lives.”

Young people are told not to keep their feelings trapped inside themselves, said Tredger, a former school principal.

"If they are being bullied, put down or violated, they need to speak out,” he said.

"The consequences of silence can be very grave. Suicide rates among gay students are seven times the national average.”

Bishop Gordon could not be reached for comment before this afternoon's press deadline.

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