A recent column by Elsie Patkotak suggested we “build a wall” to separate church and state, citing how political leaders who happen to be Christians are imposing their will through legislation and other means. Since Patkotak’s rant seemed a bit unhinged, let’s look at what Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s HB 105 actually says. Focusing on the portions that critics of the bill say is harmful to transgender children, it requires a parent’s permission before calling someone who once was “he” a “she” (or vice versa), or release of student records (physical, medical, mental health) to a parent “unless a reasonably prudent person would believe that disclosure of the information would result in child abuse or neglect.”
So how is that a Christian, or religious, point of view? Allowing parents to be fully informed of significant life events at school isn’t religious dogma. It’s normal life. This bill isn’t trying to harm children. It’s trying to let parents be parents without people like Pakotak building a wall between them and their children.
— Tony Hall
Chugiak
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