FOG BLOG N.B. LOG: BLAINE HIGGS GOV'T TO EXPAND REVIEW OF POLICY 713 AMID CONTROVERSY OF HIS STAND!

N.B. government expands review of province's policy on sexual orientation in schools The New Brunswick government has expanded the review of the province's policy on sexual orientation in schools.

It says the policy review will include access to washroom facilities on the basis of gender identity.

The policy -- known as Policy 713 -- establishes minimum standards for schools to ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students. The government had ordered a review of two parts of the policy -- the provision for students under 16 to change their preferred first name and pronoun without any communication to parents, and the process for team sport selection and participation.

A statement from Premier Blaine Higgs and Education Minister Bill Hogan issued this week says the goal of the review is to make this policy as clear as possible for students and families.

The government says the policy review was undertaken following hundreds of objections from parents, but New Brunswick's child and youth advocate revealed that the decision was made following three complaints.