Gays to address school students
By Bethany Hiatt
The West Australian
15 June 2005
A Perth high school has asked gays and lesbians to talk to its students about their personal experiences as part of a health studies course for Year 12s.
Ballajura Community College told parents in a letter that the students would discuss sexuality and sexual orientation with representatives from Gay and Lesbian Community Services. It said the visit would enable students to experience different attitudes towards sexuality and give them an insight into the WA gay and lesbian community.
The decision to invite gays and lesbians to address students came a month after it cancelled a scheduled sex education talk by a brothel madam.
Principal Steffan Silcox said yesterday parents could withdraw their children from the talk.
Mother of nine Karen O'Neil complained to Dr Silcox when she learned Langtrees brothel madam Mary-Anne Kenworthy was to discuss safe sex practices with students. But she was just as upset when she found the GLCS volunteers were to attend the school.
"I think our taxpayers need to know what they are teaching in our schools," she said. "It astounds me. I have a three-year-old and I am worried about what they are going to shove down his throat when he is in Year 12."
Dr Silcox said the health studies course was for students planning a career in the health industry and therefore it dealt with contentious contemporary issues.
He said it was important for its 22 class members to get a personal view on issues health workers had to deal with, such as discrimination against gays and lesbians.
GLCS chairperson Lanie Chopping said representatives were invited to schools about four times a year. "I have never heard of parents being concerned before," she said.
WA Council of State School Organisations president Rob Fry said the school would have to be sure it had the support of the school community but parents should feel empowered to speak out if they were concerned.
Education Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the subject was an approved course that met department guidelines. "We live in a diverse society and we all need to accept that," she said. "The talks are not compulsory and every
parent is notified about the subject matter. And every parent has the right to choose whether or not their child attends."
Ms Kenworthy confirmed she was asked to speak at Ballajura. In the past two years she has spoken at two schools. "I think it's very smart to talk about sex education with 17-year-olds. I try to make them feel comfortable, and
make it friendly and fun, which teachers don't do.
"I think they are burying their heads in the sand if they don't think that 17-year-old kids are having sex and they should have sex education to get the most out of their sex life."
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