[Greens-Media] Greens call for Premier Iemma not to back down from Labor’s support for diversity in child care lessons

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
29 May 2006


Greens call for Premier Iemma not to back down from Labor’s support for diversity in child care lessons 

Premier Iemma’s comments about Marrickville Council’s ‘gay friendly’ child care curriculum suggests that he is not aware of his own government’s work on this important issue Greens MP and education and gay and lesbian spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said today. 

“The Greens support progressive aspects of Labor policy and call on Premier Iemma not to back down from his government’s excellent work promoting tolerance and diversity in the childcare curriculum,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“The program that he has criticised was passed about five years ago by the then Labor controlled Marrickville Council, with the support of Greens councillors.

“The Premier’s attack is totally unwarranted. The program is about respect, tolerance and inclusion * it’s not a sex education course.

“It is widely recognised that programs at pre-schools and schools that foster respect of diversity in relations can counter homophobic related bullying. 

“Clearly there is a split in the Labor Party about gay rights with Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt saying as recently as last week, ‘Students are encouraged to devise strategies to counter homophobia and affirm diversity through whole school student welfare programs and the formal curriculum’.

“Similarly, Labor Upper House member and Marrickville councillor Penny Sharpe has backed these programs committing herself to working to end discrimination against gay parents. 

“The Greens are ready to work with the Labor government to further these progressive programs.

“I urge the Premier to stick with his government’s policy and not be rail-roaded into rejecting programs that will bring benefit to our whole society,” Ms Rhiannon said.

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