By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
HOLT MP Anthony Byrne has warned people against using “inflammatory and derogatory” language in the debate about the Safe Schools program.
Last week Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ordered an independent review of the taxpayer-funded program – aimed at helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and/or intersex (LGBTI) school students – after its manual came under attack from right-wing politicians and the Australian Christian Lobby.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott Tuesday called for the program to be axed.
Mr Byrne, who convened a well-publicised summit on youth suicide in Casey in 2012, urged people to be wary of the language they used when discussing the program, days after Coalition MP George Christensen likened the Safe Schools initiative to grooming undertaken by sexual predators.
“It is critical in any debate about this issue that inflammatory and derogatory language not be used,” Mr Byrne said.
“Words can literally kill.
“Any debate about this program must be temperate and take into account the suffering and anguish of those whom the Safe Schools program seeks to help.”
A number of Casey schools are signed up to the Safe Schools program, including Cranbourne Secondary College, Fountain Gate Secondary College, Hallam Senior College and Oatlands Primary School in Narre Warren.
“I have met with young people dealing with gender identity and same sex relationship issues who tell me of the bullying they have experienced and heard of the attempts of self-harm that this bullying precipitated,” Mr Byrne said.
While Berwick Lodge Primary School is not part of the program, its principal Henry Grossek said the Safe School initiative was a “positive move” and could see his school joining up “down the track”.
“I think Safe Schools is a positive move, I think it’s one that’s new and breaking new ground, there’s a lot of community apprehension about it, because it does touch a sensitive area for a lot of people,” he said.
“Gender is a sensitive area, one that people hold strong views on, starting to dialogue on that can be awkward.
“I think teachers and principals have a lot to learn in a constructive way because we’ve not done it before.”
For more information on the Safe Schools program, visit www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au.
Those in need of immediate assistance can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
