Armin Eashappie News Today

Saskatchewan's new law requiring parental permission before students can use a different gender-related name or pronoun at school is out of step with the principles that guide professionals who work with youth, critics say.

Grade 12 student Armin Eashappie said he first came out to his teacher because he felt safe with them at his school. He said his family took four years to accept his gender identity and added that the government's pronoun policy would harm students who do not have supportive families.

The Saskatchewan government is expected to pass Bill 137, which requires parental consent before a child under 16 can use a different gender-related name or pronoun at school, on Friday.

The bill passed 40-12 after a special sitting and 40 hours debate over the legislation known as Bill 137, or the Parents Bill of Rights.

REGINA — Armin Eashappie says if his teacher hadn't supported his name and pronoun change years ago, he likely wouldn't be alive. The Grade 12 student says he told his teacher first because school was safe.