Thursday December 20, 2001
TORY LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE EVES SLAMMED OVER ANTI-RELIGIOUS REMARK
TORONTO, December 20, 2001 (LSN.ca) - The Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) would not normally become involved in the election of a leader of a political party. However, public comments by Ontario Progressive Conservative party leadership candidate Ernie Eves' regarding the teaching of "hatred" in independent schools were deemed "cause for serious concern " by CCRL.
Mr. Eves, in commenting on the proposed private school tax credit program unveiled by Ontario Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, is reported to have stated: "I am not against choice in the education system, but I am in favour of some very basic standards. Are you in favour of a school that doesn't teach any basic curriculum and teaches hatred?" Since two-thirds or more of existing private schools are parochial in nature, the CCRL is concerned that a potential future Premier of the Province of Ontario would link religious education with intolerance or hatred.
CCRL President Thomas Langan noted "Teaching people the fundamental importance of the need to respect and love one another cannot be confused with the promotion of hatred. Mr Eves' loose comment smacks of the type of anti-religious attack most recently seen in the last federal election by Hedy Fry. We were concerned then with Ms. Fry's anti-religious remarks over the faith claims of particular politicians. In the context of support for parents who choose a religious curriculum for their children, Mr. Eves should be careful to distance himself from generalized anti-religious comments."
"It is hoped Mr. Eves will clarify and reiterate his support for parental choice, especially in the context of religious education," concluded the CCRL.
See the coverage in the National Post:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/national/politics/story.html?f=/stories/20011220/921861.html
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