Greens MP Cat
e Faehrmann says Miranda Devine’s attack on the Proud Schools program which is helping end homophobia in our schools is a hark back to 60s era prejudice and discrimination. Ms Faehrmann is calling on the Education Minister to stand strong in the face of fear mongering from an extreme minority.
“Ms Devine is completely out of touch with mainstream Australia on this one. We’ve got multi-partisan support for this critical education program. I call on the Education Minister to stand strong in the face of fear mongering from an extreme minority,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“The rest of us have moved on from the days when people thought being gay was somehow abnormal. It’s 60s era thinking and Ms Devine should catch up.
“Unfortunately homophobia in schools is still a big issue, with homophobic abuse and bullying causing significant distress and harm to young people. That’s why programs like Proud Schools exist in the first place – to make sure young people understand that same-sex attraction is perfectly normal.
“With two thirds of same-sex attracted young people experiencing abuse and around 80% of that happening in schools it would be extremely dangerous for programs like Proud Schools not to be expanded and encouraged.
“Regardless of sexuality, all students should feel safe and accepted at school. The sad reality is that we still have hangovers of unjust discrimination that need to be challenged, in schools, in workplaces and in the community.
“Of much greater concern to parents than same-sex education programs these days is that their children may be the target of homophobia in the playground. MPs from all the major political parties have been working together to challenge homophobia and remove discrimination.
“Ms Devine’s attempt to stir fear about the Proud Schools program will fall flat because the fact is, people have grown up on this issue – it’s time she did as well,” said Ms Faehrmann.
