Citizens in Australia have been dealing with a politically-motivated scheme trying to force its way into their schools. The program, entitled “Safe Schools Coalition,” seems useful at first glance. Its focus is on teaching anti-bullying messages. However, as parents read more detail about the program they became alarmed at its overly-sexualized message. One MP addressed Parliament to warn about the dangers of this message. (Watch the 5 minute video HERE).
The video states, “If someone proposed exposing a child to this material the parents would probably call the police because it sounds a lot like ‘grooming’ work that a sexual predator might undertake.’’ Likewise, the program was blasted for linking to a website entitled “Minus18,” a website giving information on chest binding, penis tucking and sex toys. It also linked out to other sites which promoted pornography, group sex and gay bars. After the publicity it appears these links have been removed but it brings forth the question about the motives for those promoting these programs. Certainly it is not protecting children. And almost as certainly, the anti-bullying message seems to be a cover to promoting alternative lifestyles. If I planned to teach my kids a lesson about not bullying other people who are different, I would focus on respect, kindness, empathy, moral character and other fortifying virtues. This tactic of promoting debilitating sexual choices under the guise of empathy or anti-bullying is patently false and purposefully misleading.
And thousands of Australians agree. A petition was sent to the Senate expressing concern about this coalition, stating that it went “beyond education and [compelled] students into advocacy of a social engineering agenda.” One journalist succinctly summarized the parental philosophy against teaching kids LGBT issues, stating: “I believe that I should be allowed to choose the ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘how’ I talk to my children about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) issues – NOT schools and NOT at 11 years old.”
I will teach my children that sex is a beautiful gift from God, one to be used with only their spouse. I will teach my boys that they were meant to be boys and I will teach my daughter that she was meant to be a girl. I will teach my children that other people may disagree with these teachings and that is their right. But it is my right to teach them in my home. And any attempts from third parties to interfere or railroad these teachings will be met with immovable resistance.
There must be greater respect about these issues. I understand that people live their lives differently than mine. I teach my children to love others, to show compassion, to extend forgiveness, to treat them like brothers & sisters. I also teach them God’s commandments and encourage them to follow. If someone disagrees with those teachings we should be able to come together and create a respectful dialogue. But these movements are completely biased and attempt to steamroll these ideals. (One of great concern in the US is SIECUS: Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, founded in the 60s by a former Medical Director for Planned Parenthood. One of their main goals is to “eliminate abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.”
Thankfully, their agenda of Comprehensive Sexual Education failed to pass in my home state of Utah in last weeks’ legislative session.) I would call on these groups, legislators and parents to work together on compromises that fill the needs of all, rather than the needs of one.