The principal of a catholic school in Ottawa, Canada, has stepped in to halt a school project from two 11-year-old pupils on the topic of gay rights

Grade 6 students Quinn Maloney-Tavares and Polly Hamilton, who attend St. George’s Catholic School in Ottawa, were asked to complete a project on social justice and allowed to choose their own specific theme.

They chose gay rights, because, as Quinn told the Ottawa Citizen, ‘A lot of people, they don’t know they’re being rude, but they make being gay a bad thing.

‘They need to know that it’s not a bad thing.’

However, principal Ann Beauchamp had other ideas and immediately vetoed the idea when she heard about it, leaving the girls ‘upset and disappointed’, according to Quinn’s mom, Ann Maloney.

In fact, the girls were so disappointed by their principal’s decision that they decided to paint small rainbow flags on their hands in silent protest; the gesture was picked up and repeated by several of their classmates.

Maloney and Polly’s mother, Kate, had a meeting with Beauchamp last week to see if they could persuade her to change her mind, but Maloney said afterwards that the principal had ‘felt strongly about her decision,’ saying that she didn’t think gay rights was an appropriate topic for children of that age, and that she also had concerns about receiving criticism from more conservative parents at the school.

Beauchamp has since refused to comment, but the school board’s communications department issued a statement from chairman Ted Hurley. It said that the school’s curriculum, ‘covers all topics around personhood, relationships and sexuality and is developed and taught in an age-appropriate manner.

‘The principal’s decision was made in this context and with the understanding that the project was going to be presented to younger students … Our board’s focus on equity and family life programs ensures students are taught within the context of our faith, with a focus on the dignity of personhood.’

Patti Lupone And Sting Headline 'Uprising Of Love' Benefit Concert For Global Equality, In NYC On September 15th

On September 15th, producers Stephen Schwartz and Bruce Cohen will partner with the United Nations Foundation for "Uprising of Love: A Benefit Concert for Global Equality." The concert, headlined by Broadway diva Patti Lupone and international superstar Sting, falls strategically around the UN General Assembly and Clinton Gobal Initiative and aims to raise awareness about the unfortunate state of affairs for many LGBTI-identified communities around the world. Proceeds from the event will go to Fueling the Frontlines, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice's 3-year, $20 million global LGBTI rights campaign.

The concert's website has more information:

At this unique moment in history, when we are seeing such rapid progress in the fight for equality in the West, we cannot be blind to appalling crimes against humanity elsewhere. Today in Russia, Uganda, Nigeria, and elsewhere, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people are facing harassment, abuse, and violence. In some countries, recent laws have deemed homosexuality punishable by death and the situation appears to be getting worse, not better. 

THE MISSION:

1. To raise awareness among the international community of violence, discrimination, and atrocities committed against LGBTI people.

2. To support LGBTI people and communities in areas where safety and dignity is compromised through funds and solidarity.

3. To support and collaborate with LGBTI and human rights organizations concerned with these issues.

The concert will be scripted by Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black (of Milk and Tom Daley fame) and directed by Schele Williams (Motown the Musical). Among the members of the benefit's host committee are Julianne Moore, Lance Bass, Calpernia Addams, Chris Colfer, and Melissa Etheridge.

To learn more and buy tickets, check out the website.