Evolution classes optional under proposed Alberta law

[CHIMO]

A controversial Alberta bill will enshrine into law the rights of parents to pull their children out of classes discussing the topics of evolution and homosexuality.

The new rules, which would require schools to notify parents in advance of "subject-matter that deals explicitly with religion, sexuality or sexual orientation," is buried in a bill that extends human rights to homosexuals. Parents can ask for their child to be excluded from the discussion.

"This government supports a very, very fundamental right and that is parental rights with respect to education," said Premier Ed Stelmach.

Although Stelmach has confirmed the bill will give parents the authority to exclude their kids from classes if the topic of evolution comes up, Education Minister Dave Hancock said it won't change anything.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/04/30/cgy-bill-evolution-law-alberta-classes-teachers.html

Creationism rears its head in Texas schools

"In the first place God made idiots. This was for practice. Then he made school boards."

Mark Twain wrote that in 1897, and Americans still quote it, with feeling. It comes to mind for many observers of a current battle over science education in Texas.

Texas's school board, the State Board of Education (BOE), has been fighting about standards for science textbooks the state buys. Since March, clamorous attention has focused on a proposal to require that texts discuss the "strengths and weaknesses" of evolutionary theory. Everyone knew this was a ploy to get creationist ideas into the classroom. The scientific community was relieved when the BOE finally voted not to include that language – and dismayed when it then voted for amendments that mandate the same thing. The BOE's exuberant chair says he's not afraid to "stand up to the experts."

"One day they slammed the door on creationism, and the next day they ran around opening the windows to let it back in," says Dan Quinn, communications director at the Texas Freedom Network, an organisation that works for "a mainstream agenda of religious freedom and individual liberties."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/apr/30/texas-school-creationism-textbooks


Well we all know Alberta can't be left out. If Texas leads then Alberta will follow.

[Posteritatis]

1. (insert string of obscenities here) (nt)

[HeresyLives]

2. Now THAT is depressing.

:cry:

[Spazito]

3. Alberta, where Jesus rode a dinosaur....

well, at least 9 out of the 10 provinces as well as all three territories still live in the REAL world. I think I might have to think about moving to one of those!

[daleo]

4. Jesus was supposed to have walked on water

That obviously invalidates the theory of gravity. Christians ought to be excused from physics classes.

Plus, he turned water into wine, which invalidates atomic theory. So, Christians ought to be excused from chemistry classes.

Math might be dodgy too, as calculus treads on some tricky ground vis a vis realized vs potential infinities, that Christians might not like.