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Last week, past Calgary Catholic school principal Barb Hamilton said she is filing a human rights complaint alleging she was pushed to resign because of her sexual orientation.

‘Constantly carrying around this mask’

Three LGBTQ teachers, all of who currently work for Edmonton Catholic Schools, say the clause in their contracts is a “loophole” that leaves them constantly anxious that a complaint from a parent about their sexual orientation, or an unsupportive principal, could end their employment in the district.

The teachers said the clause also prompts their colleagues to hide when they get divorced, use birth control, live with a partner out of wedlock, or use in vitro fertilization, which more conservative Catholics may frown upon.

The first teacher said they feel comfortable being “out” at their school, but wants to hear a strong message from the school board and superintendent that teachers will not be fired or forced out because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The fact that I haven’t been fired yet is a good sign, but what is the line that’s going to be enough? Because, there is a clause there,” they said. “When am I going to be too gay?”

Another LGBTQ teacher said it was “terrifying” to sign the contract years ago, but they grew up Catholic, they were in the closet and they needed a job.

“My life was totally hidden,” they said. “I thought, ‘I can do this.’”

Although a few colleagues now know they are married to a same-sex spouse, the teacher is careful about who they tell. They worry the need for discretion has a chilling effect on students.