Schools must be legally required to combat homophobic bullying and to promote understanding and tolerance
The new legislation to repeal Section 28 is being criticised by OutRage! as “inadequate”.
“Scrapping Section 28 is no guarantee that teachers will challenge anti-gay prejudice and give adequate support to vulnerable lesbian and gay pupils”, said John Beeson of OutRage!.
“The Bill must be amended to place a legal obligation on schools to combat homophobic bullying, provide factual information about homosexual issues, and ensure the welfare of gay students.
“Without this legal requirement, many teachers will continue to shy away from dealing with gay issues in an upfront, honest manner.
“While no school should promote either homosexuality or heterosexuality, they do have a duty to promote understanding and tolerance. That duty needs to be enshrined in law”, said Mr. Beeson.