Yukon minister says school must drop its anti-gay policy

Yukon's education minister says Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse must drop its controversial policy on homosexuality.

In an open letter to Yukon's Bishop Gary Gordon, Scott Kent said Vanier school must comply with the Education Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Gordon had told CBC that teachers at Vanier school would continue to follow the Catholic church's teachings on homosexuality.

Right now, Vanier’s policy describes homosexuality as a "grave disorder," "morally evil" and "intrinsically disordered."

Kent points out the policy doesn't meet the Education Act requirements and adds it also likely contradicts the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Yukon Human Rights Act.

Kent says the department of education's policy on sexual orientation is designed to fall in line with human rights laws.

Kent ends by telling the bishop senior staff will work with the Vanier school community to bring its policy in line with Yukon laws.