Anti-bullying used to push gender and sex issues to children
An anti-bullying program for school children is being used as a cover for pushing gender and sexual issues to children as young as Year 5, Gympie MP Tony Perrett claims.
Mr Perrett has today called on the State Government to urgently review the Safe Schools program which is currently being taught in Queensland Schools.
"While I support anything that will reduce bullying in our schools this program has been hijacked by identity activists," Mr Perrett said.
Mr Perrett said the program is supposed to educate children from Years 5 to 12 on how to combat bullying especially of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.
"Instead they are promoting sexual and gender issues by putting in front of children material that teaches adult concepts," Mr Perrett said.
"How did anti-bullying turn into lessons on penis tucking, chest binding and cross dressing?"
"It even provides links to commercial websites where children can buy devices online to help them temporarily alter their external appearance."
"Concerned local parents and teachers have been contacting me pointing out their distress about material in the program which requires no parental approval or notification."
"The program is being conducted under a cloud of secrecy with the names of schools running it blocked out."
"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," he said.
Mr Perret said one of the leaflets available online for children in Years 5 to 8 "OMG My friend's queer" carries the description: "Having a friend come out to you doesn't have to be an 'OMG' thing. A guide to 'coming out' for friends created by young people."
It is created by Minus 18, a Victorian Government funded website, and includes articles such as What's Gender All About, Coming Out, how Can You Tell? And Faith and Culture.
Minus 18's guide to gender issues, "OMG I'm Trans" includes information of about physical and medical transitions as well as relationships and identity.