The Peel District School Board’s director of education says children will not be exempt from learning about gay families or gender issues, even if that means losing students.

In a speech sent to CP24, the school board’s director Tony Pontes says that parents can remove children from sex-ed classes for religious reasons however they will not be allowed to opt-out of lessons that focus on gay families or diverse gender identities.

Pontes made the comments to teachers and superintendents during his annual address at the Pearson Convention Centre Wednesday morning.

“Let me say that I do respect the genuine concerns of parents. Some want to know more, learn more, make an informed decision—and we will have a parent guide and resources early this fall that will help with that process,” Pontes' statement reads.

“Where the work in the classroom is about inclusion—whatever form that inclusion may take—any of the protected grounds in the Human Rights Code—we will not provide religious or any other accommodation. We cannot—we will not—by action or inaction endorse discrimination.”

In the speech, Pontes acknowledges that some members of the public may be displeased with the decision.

“Some in our community may not like this. They may choose to switch school systems in fact. If so, that is a price we must be willing to be pay,” the statement continues.

The province's new sexual education curriculum is rolling out across Ontario this month and has sparked numerous protests from parents who disagree with some of the changes.

Sex-ed protests are being held at Liberal MPP offices across the province today.