John Key (file photo) John Key is open to meeting with community representatives in response to their concerns about homophobic and transphobic bullying in the nation's schools. It's estimated 1,500 to 2,000 letters have been sent to the Prime Minister in a youth-led campaign calling for zero tolerance of bullying of queer students, which asks for sexuality and gender identity education to be made compulsory in the classroom. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister says he donned a pink shirt on an official visit to Christchurch today, in support of Pink Shirt Day. When asked whether he will read a selection of the letters personally, she said he certainly will. "He is more than happy to meet with representatives of gay and transgender support groups, as indeed he is happy to talk to many New Zealanders concerned about bullying." The spokeswoman says Key takes all bullying affecting young New Zealanders very seriously. "As part of the Government's response to bullying, the Education Minister Anne Tolley has written to schools' Boards of Trustees to reaffirm their responsibilities of care and protection towards their students. Mrs Tolley will also convene a meeting of relevant parties to assess whether this country has the best practices in place in this area."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 14th April 2011 - 5:14pm