Revisit issue of gender equality ASAP

To the Editor:

I am appalled at the decision to segregate girls and boys from outdoor recreational activities. Surely the world has evolved to recognize that in our Canadian culture the equality of all people, particularly our children, is of paramount importance.

With the rest of the country watching, the Lydia Houck issue will be seen as an indication of the regard with which the administration of Hants County holds gender equality.

At the same age as Lydia, my own daughter participated in outdor mixed sexes recreation programs including soccer, camping and fishing. There were "girl safe" options available such as Girl Guides that didn't interest her because they weren’t fun and too restrictive.

My daughter, along with several other of her girlfriends, did not suffer stress, anguish or discrimination beacuse of gender.

Do the right thing: allow the girls to participate in mixed gender outdoor recreation day programs.

Howard Coram

Qualicum Beach, B.C.