The logic of a proposed equity policy that seeks to eliminate homophobia at Hamilton public schools is being challenged by a group that says it represents "traditional Christian values."

Jim Enos, vice-president of the Hamilton-Wentworth Family Action Council, this week urged trustees to shelve the policy, arguing it overlooks that there are good reasons to fear homosexual practices.

He said although his group supports outlawing bullying and harassment because of sexual orientation, it rejects the policy's goal of eliminating homophobia and heterosexism.

Homophobia, he said, doesn't meet the normal definition of a phobia -- irrational fear -- because homosexual conduct increases the risk of HIV and parents in his group "provide valid, rational reasons to fear the serious, logical consequences."

"Unfortunately, this draft of the equity policy does have the potential to label as homophobic families who use this type of information," said Mr. Enos, a dissenting participant on the 20-member steering committee that drafted the proposed policy.

"What concerns us is whether the values that are essential to our community may be challenged and unlearned."

A local candidate for the Family Coalition Party in the 2006 federal election, Mr. Enos was one of three speakers to oppose the policy at this week's meeting of the committee of the whole.

More than 100 onlookers packed the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board chambers, with several opponents of the policy clutching bibles and shining flashlights on the ceiling.

While supporters didn't register to speak, they made their presence felt by donning rainbow-coloured garlands around their necks and holding signs like, "Speak out against homophobia" and "I support equity for all."

But Gloria Turner, another dissenting member of the steering committee, charged that the policy lacks public support and fails to meet provincial requirements for consultation with school councils.

It also doesn't "respect parents' sole right to address the subject of sexuality with their own children when they deem it appropriate," she said, and ignores that homosexuality can be prevented and "successfully treated."

"The terms homophobia and heterosexism are unnecessary, inflammatory and negative," Ms. Turner told trustees.

"They will certainly deny legitimate discussion and critical thinking, as well as freedom of speech, opinion and belief."

Trustees voted 8-2 to refer the presentations -- which also included objections by Father Geoffrey Korz of the Pan-Orthodox Association of Greater-Hamilton -- to staff for a report in June.

Stoney Creek Trustee Bob Barlow, who opposed the referral, said afterwards that aside from concerns about procedure, none of the presentations offered new information and he supports the policy.

As with new policies against racism and classism, the intent is to create a respectful school environment for everyone, he said.

"I've had so few people, other than the select few, tell me that this the wrong way to go," Mr. Barlow said. "The great majority don't have concerns."

Dundas Trustee Jessica Brennan, who chairs the policy committee, said she believes opponents have had their say by having two representatives on the steering committee.

Despite voting against the referral, she said a staff report should assure her colleagues that the board has shown due diligence in involving the community.

Ms. Brennan said words like homophobia and heterosexism may seem harsh to some people, but reflect the language used in literature on these issues.