The LNP Opposition has called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to urgently review a program currently being taught in Queensland schools, which purports to create a safe and inclusive environment for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said while he supported the intent of the program which is to prevent bullying in schools related to gender and sexual orientation, he was concerned it had been hijacked by activists.
“It’s concerning that primary school aged children now have access to material that teaches adult concepts and no parental approval or notification is required,” Mr Bennett said.
“My office has been inundated by parents and teachers who have raised serious concerns about this program being introduced into our schools, and we cannot ignore these valid concerns.”
Mr Bennett said concerns have also been expressed by child psychiatrists about the age-appropriateness of this material, with the head of child psychiatry at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists being quoted as saying that teaching about gender diversity may not be appropriate for eleven year olds.
“The Education Minister must review this program as a matter of urgency,” he said.
“The review must look at why there is secrecy about the program in Queensland. In every other state, parents and members of the community can look up a website for an up-to-date list of the schools that are teaching the program, yet in Queensland, the names of the schools has been blocked.”
He said children were being referred to the website of an organisation called Minus18, which provides details about concepts such as chest binding, penis tucking and cross dressing.
[ENDS] 17 February 2016