Members of a parents' group opposed to the Burnaby school board's anti-homophobia policy are forming a new civic party.
Parents' Voice spokesperson Gordon World confirmed Friday that some members were in the preliminary stages of forming a civic party. "We're having meetings and getting or platform solidified and getting our communications set up," World said.
The party will not be called Parents' Voice, but it will have a focus on parents.
World said the group is not putting city council candidates forward but is hoping to run a full slate for school board.
"We have a number of expressions of interest. Today we don't have a full confirmed slate, we're definitely shooting for that," he said.
George Kovacic and Charter Lau will also be involved, two Burnaby residents and outspoken critics of the school board policy.
After weeks of controversy, the Burnaby school board passed its sexual orientation and gender identity policy unanimously on June 14. The intent of the policy was to protect staff and students from homophobic bullying. Parents' Voice had formed in opposition to the policy, claiming it infringes on their rights to educate their children according to their moral and religious beliefs.
For more on this story, see Jennifer Moreau's blog, Community Conversations, at www.burnabynow.com.
