Hamilton's Catholic school board will raise the Pride flag this year for the first time

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) will raise the Pride flag for the first time in its history this June.

The HWCDSB voted 6-3 in favour of the motion on Tuesday. The motion was brought forward by trustee Mark Valvasori, who said it's "all about the kids."

Valvasori, who represents the west end and Flamborough,said some board members have argued "vehemently" against flying the flag, saying it goes against what the church teachesand is inconsistent with family life as presented in Catholic catechism.

"What bothered me most was the tone and content of so many emails and conversations that argued against flying the Pride flag," he said.

The language used, he charged, was"often repulsive." They were also what led him to advance the motion in the first place, he said.

Others, he said,are equally passionate in their support of flying the Pride flag, arguing the move is "symbolic of love, acceptance and inclusion."

Valvasori called for board members to imagine a young student in a Catholic school "struggling to reconcile their own feelings about their sexuality with their Catholicity."

The HWCDSB voted against this motion last year, saying the Canadian flag and the cross were their symbols of unity and inclusion.

Board chair Pat Dalyrepeated that assertion Tuesday.

"Our premises centrenot only on creating an environment of equity and inclusivity, but a way of living," he said. "That way of living is best expressed in our most fundamental Catholic symbol, the cross."

He urged the board to consider practical issues such as some schools having to raise a second pole for the Pride flag.

Not about a political statement

"I, after considerable discernment and prayer, will be voting against the motion and I do so solely out of my belief that we need to be promoting the Catholic identity and that identity is placed in Christ and the teachings of the Catholic church."

Valvasori said he acknowledges how "polarizing" the discussion is.

"This motion is not meant as a condemnation or support for either side of this issue. It's strictly for the kids and it's for our school communities. We can't forget about our students and we can't forget about our staff, all of them."

He saidthe motion is not about making a political statement, but rather about visibly showing support for LGBTQstudents and staff.

"I look forward to the day where it won't matter anymore. When it simply becomes a non-issue where divisiveness and exclusion simply disappear. In the meantime, let's show our love and acceptance by simply flying the Pride flag in June."