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Fears on 'extreme' school seminars

30 Oct, 2009 07:05 AM
The ACT Government has ordered a full investigation into allegations a far-right Christian group held seminars in several Canberra public schools denigrating homosexuality.

Education Minister Andrew Barr said preliminary advice from his department indicated the ''extreme views of a fringe organisation'', Focus on the Family, had been presented in six ACT schools in the past two years.

A student at Canberra High School who attended one of the seminars alleged it included claims sex was bad, painted homosexuality in a similar light to bestiality and warned students they could become gay by watching gay pornography.

Students were also allegedly warned they could become attracted to animals by watching animal pornography, that if a couple had sex it was the boy's fault and that girls should not provoke boys by putting their hair up and wearing make-up.

The alleged comments were made during a series of ''No Apologies Impact'' seminars held at the school and attended by students from years 7 to 10.

Mr Barr ordered his department conduct an investigation, which is expected to take weeks to complete.

The student's parent, David Gould, said he was very concerned that Focus on the Family was teaching students to discriminate against homosexuals.

''It's just wrong, it confuses young people already going through the confusing period that is adolescence and it's spreading hatred.".

For more details on this story, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
I think everyone is over reacting to an article that is short in length, short on facts and big on hyperbole. It is taking advantage of the fact that there are very divergent views on these matters, so don't get baited into this! Balanced reporting isn't terribly sexy and tend not to sell like hot tamales. Not that I'm claiming that there are clean hands all around, but things are probably not as dramatic as the paper suggests. Let's take a wait and see attitude and not react shall we?
Posted by Samuel, 30/10/2009 3:45:52 PM
ppp, at the end of the day you are following a faith because whatever you follow cannot be 100% proven so it is a faith. Unfortunately, evolution which has less evidence than creation is taught in schools as fact when it is faith. Many great men of true science have believed in God. Isaac Newton, some say the greatest mind that ever lived, was a Creationist and believed in God. What monotheistic premises have been disproven? Isaiah 40:22 tells us the world is round. True Bible followers (not the Catholic church) have always believed the world was round.
Posted by Jeff, 30/10/2009 4:35:58 PM
CT could have quoted the actual presentation to avoid being perceived as beating up a story. The presentation usually affirms women as people rather than objects and encourages kids to think in terms of chastity and fidelity within marriage - secular education tends to de-emphasise moral questions, which is not a balanced education.
Posted by Rob, 30/10/2009 6:00:49 PM
as a reader of the canberra times, and a student of canberra high, i CAN say this story has been taken waay out of hand. the main theme of this 'seminar' was to be safe and precautious, not to be descriminate.
Posted by theonewithsense, 30/10/2009 10:01:15 PM
Kurt, as someone who has worked in the youth and community sector for many years, I can tell you that being asked to go into high schools and colleges (fully and openly negotiated with the schools) to talk to students about safe sex, that a HUGE amount is covered, and efforts are made by many sexual health educators to cover the broad spectrum of choices young people are confronted with - this includes the choice not to have sex. BTW, the educators are brought in because the young people have expressed that up unto this point, say the last 16 years of their lives, their parents have often been unable or unwilling to provide the necessary information in an open and non-judgemental manner. But for those who have had sex, or who wish to explore that choice, that is covered as well. We mix facts about risks in with discussions that are often led by the students about their different views about sex and sexuality. In the end it is about reducing stigma and the feeling of guilt, isolation and confusion a young person goes through while they are struggling with so many mixed messages over things that are quite natural. It's a shame that the same care doesn't appear to have happened here.
Posted by KLR, 31/10/2009 2:18:51 AM
I am all for these topics being discussed, as High-School age is the stage where sex/sexuality issues become a real part of people's lives. And while abstinence is possibly not being discussed enough, I don't think I like the thought of teaching it exclusively - whether we like it or not, whether we agree with it or not, whether it is right or legal or not, there will always be a percentage (perhaps a small percentage, it's difficult to quantify accurately) that will go out and 'do it' anyways. So making sure they have accurate information on both abstinence and 'doing it safely' is important, whether that information is needed now or later. However, if these discussions are going to be had, we can't let them delve into those in this article - assuming the statements presented are true (and I accept that they may not be). I don't think statements like the ones 'claimed' to be made particularly helps anyone, as I cannot see how these statements could have any basis in fact - after all how can sex between consenting adults be linked to bestiality? If we're going to let these discussions happen, keep it objective, not subjective, as all information should be presented in school.
Posted by DW, 31/10/2009 8:24:45 AM
So talking about family values is 'extreme'??? - giving children a 'balanced view' and maybe an alternative to some of the other rubbish given to them is bad??? Voluntary discussion on homosexuality is allowed under PDHPE course area - why not not voluntary discussion with a heterosexual preference?? And all those complaining should check out in reality what Focus on the Family is all about and who are those shouting the loudest before getting caught up in the crap! Question: are all these people complaining parentsthemselves??? if not, then your comments arent valid.
Posted by You have to be kidding, 31/10/2009 1:37:49 PM
rather than having a stupid unbalanced discussion - before 'etxreme' comments and irrational allegations are made - maybe one should check out the person and orientation of the complainer - and I am not talking sexually! But as a confirmed aetheist and one who has levelled ongoing criticisms against christianity in the past (google search) one would suspect that there is a bias to views being made and the 'degree' of wording used. One would expect similar from prominent officials before making litigious comments in the press - and yes I am a parent, a heterosexual and a Christian but at least I did some checking before I responded. Do the google searches yourself - on the complainer, the organisation (and maybe check out how many positive comments they have received) - check out the total course - and decide yourselves with at least some information not just a mandatory response to an article without checking facts and positioning!!!!
Posted by has anyone checked out the complainer?, 31/10/2009 1:51:29 PM
Where's the tolerance for Christians? Why can't they have their opinions? Why can't we simply show tolerance to Christians?
Posted by MOMwithAbrain, 31/10/2009 11:52:28 PM
O my goodness, Christians in a public school! How offensive. Our public schools are doing a great job instilling values and sense into our young people withOUT darned religion! Yes, secularism has produced the finest generation of young people the world has ever seen. They make great choices about drugs (yeh right), sex (yeh right) and have a great attitude to the needy and poor (likewise). Yes, you do detect just a hint of sarcasm. As a Christian, I would like to put 'secularism' on 'trial' and see how it measures up as an 'ism' that produces good citizens. I don't know what these Christians said, but the bigotted, foolish comments here that denigrate Christians is just plain ignorant. Australia still enjoys the benefits of a society founded on Christian principles. Would you prefer a society devoid of religion? of spirituality? You'll need to find a vacant planet for that.
Posted by Cathy, 2/11/2009 11:16:25 AM
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David Gould raised concerns about the seminars held at Canberra High School after his daughter complained about their content. Photo: GARY SCHAFER
David Gould raised concerns about the seminars held at Canberra High School after his daughter complained about their content. Photo: GARY SCHAFER

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