Sask. Child Advocate: Pronoun policy could run contrary to human rights laws, needs changes

The Saskatchewan Child Advocate says the provincial government's new policy regarding the use of different pronouns in schools could violate human rights.

The Saskatchewan Child Advocate says the provincial government's new policy regarding the use of different pronouns in schools could violate human rights.

Child Advocate Lisa Broda announced the review in August, shortly after the announcement of a new policy requiring students under 16 years old to seek parental consent before changing their pronouns or preferred first names in a school setting. 

In a news release announcing the results of her review, Broda said such strict rules around consent "could result in a violation of a young person's rights under provincial, constitutional, and international human rights laws."

While the advocate's office says the recognition that youth over the age of 16 can provide their own consent is positive, Broda found the emphasis on age is not justifiable.

“Many young people under the age of 16 will have the capacity to make this type of decision. Giving them the chance to demonstrate capacity is an important step in accommodating their right to their gender identity,” said Broda.

While the advocate agreed that parental or guardian inclusion in schools is essential to creating an environment that serves the children’s best interest, Broda also recognized the rights of the child.

“It is critical that this be understood from a child rights perspective,” the report says. “Children are human beings with their own rights and legally recognized ability to make certain personal decisions in accordance with their maturity and capacity.”