Standing strong on Safe Schools

Greens NSW MP and acting spokesperson on Sexuality & Gender Identity Dr Mehreen Faruqi has said that the reported conservative push against Safe Schools by a NSW Liberals MP (Daily Telegraph, 23 August 2016) is another example of unwarranted attacks and scare tactics being used on an important education program.

Dr Faruqi said:

“Our community has come a long way when it comes to celebrating diversity, which makes it even more disappointing to see these unwarranted attacks on a program that is all about acceptance, support and education.

“School communities have come together to stand up against the bigoted attacks on the Safe Schools program. Many parents, students and teachers from all walks of life understand just how important a program like this is.

“Those working against Safe Schools characterise it as ‘divisive’ and ‘polarising’ as part of their scare campaign. In reality, Safe Schools has been created by educators who understand the challenges faced by gender diverse children and diverse families.

“We’ve seen these types of scare tactics used at a federal level. Here in NSW we need to stand strong as a community and continue to support our vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities.

“The Greens are proud to support Safe Schools and will continue to advocate strongly for the program to be in NSW schools,” she said.