A controversial bill that allows Alberta parents to pull their children out of a class teaching sex, sexual orientation or religion has been passed into law.

Bill 44, proclaimed on Monday, also includes:

  • An amendment that enshrines gay rights in Alberta's human rights code.
  • Removing free speech issues from the Human Rights Commission to be dealt with instead by hate laws in the Criminal Code.

The bill comes into effect on Oct. 1, except for Section 9, which covers the parent opt-out clause. That section comes into force on Sept. 1, 2010 to give teachers and school boards enough time to institute formal procedures.

Teachers were concerned the opt-out clause could leave them vulnerable to human rights complaints.