Letter From Dalton McGuinty, Leader Of The Ontario Liberal Party

March 27, 2002

Open Letter

Dear Durham Catholic District School Board Trustees:

I am writing about the recent decision by principal Mike Powers not to permit Marc Hall, a gay student at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, to attend the prom with his boyfriend. From statements made by representatives of the school board, it would appear that you support that decision.

I urge you to reconsider. Marc is not hurting anyone. He just wants to go to his prom.

As Canadians, we are so fortunate to live in a free, democratic society¾one founded on equality and mutual respect regardless of gender, background, faith or sexual orientation. I believe your decision is unfair and that it offends the freedoms that have made Canada a welcome home for people in all their diversity. 

By refusing to allow him to attend the prom with his companion, Marc Hall is being denied some of his most basic rights as a human being and as a Canadian. There is nothing more basic than having the right to choose one’s companions. In Marc’s case, I cannot understand how the decision to invite his boyfriend to his high school prom poses a threat to Catholic education. 

As parents and educators, we hope to instill good values and judgment in our young people. The Catholic faith may teach, advise and counsel Marc, but ultimately we must respect the fact that he has been given free will to make his own decisions about his relationships. 

For Marc Hall, the upcoming spring prom is a milestone event, a time to celebrate the end of another successful school year. Like his classmates, he has been looking forward to it for months. But, unlike his classmates, Marc doesn’t have the right to choose who will accompany him. I urge you to give Marc that opportunity. I am appealing to you as a Canadian, as a Catholic and as the father of four to change your decision. It is the right thing to do.

Yours truly,
Dalton McGuinty, MPP
Leader of the Official Opposition
Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party