Safe Schools opponents hassle WA students

Perth students arriving at school have been approached by Safe Schools opponents, urging them to adhere to Christian values.

Opponents to the Safe Schools program have approached Perth high school students, urging them to adhere to Christian values.

Mt Lawley Senior High School principal Milton Butcher said students were handed anti-Safe Schools leaflets on Wednesday morning as they arrived at school by two adults who refused to identify themselves.

"Some students reported they were very distressed by the actions of these adults," Mr Butcher said.

"It is unreasonable for adult campaigners to approach children, some as young as 12 years of age, on their way to or from school.

"Police may be asked to assist in any situation where students are approached by strangers."

The leaflet stated the Safe Schools program "only addresses homosexuality and alternative gender views", and said the classroom content included "detailing descriptions of gay and lesbian sexual techniques".

"Don't be silent, stand up for Christian values because today's children are the future of our society tomorrow!"

The office of WA education minister Peter Collier declined to comment on the specific incident, but referred to recent general comments he made about the program, which he believes will "end in tears".

"There are aspects of the Safe Schools program that do show empathy and I'm not going to condemn the program itself, but there are other aspects of the program that are very very edgy," Mr Collier recently said.

"It's once again the federal government implementing a policy without any consultation with the states whatsoever. It is always going to end in tears. Education must be under the jurisdiction of the state governments."

Fewer than 20 of WA's public schools are registered for the federally-funded anti-bullying program.


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Safe Schools opponents hassle WA students | SBS News