New South Wales’ Education Minister has banned every school in the state from showing a documentary about children with gay parents during school hours. Gayby Baby, which was screened in New Zealand during the Documentary Edge Film Festival, celebrates diverse families. It's told from the perspectives of youngsters being raised by same-sex parents in Australia, voices which often go unheard. Read GayNZ.com's interview with filmmaker Maya Newell here Around 50 schools across Australia had organised a simultaneous broadcast of the film as part of a nationwide Wear it Purple campaign. However New South Wales’ Education Minister Adrian Piccoli has ordered principals in the state not to show it. He says that’s not because he opposes the content, but so students don’t miss out on other classes. Piccoli says he may allow the film to be screened if it’s “an integral part of the planned curriculum for an age appropriate year group”. The school didn't actually receive any complaints He had stepped in personally to prevent Burwood Girls High in Sydney's inner-west screening the film on Friday morning after a scaremongering media report, claiming parents were in “outraged” and in an “uproar”. However The Guardian Australia reports the school did not receive a single complaint about the planned screening. Students were also allowed to opt out of watching it. Filmmaker Maya Newell attended Burwood Girls High and is the daughter of same-sex parents. She’s told news.com.au the ban is akin to telling her that her family is “worth less” than other families. She and fellow filmmaker Charlotte Mars say they firmly believe the film has positive benefits for all students and they are committed to supporting the schools who are celebrating Wear it Purple Day. “Creating inclusive classroom and valuing family diversity promotes student wellbeing and acceptance of difference. There is no place for bullying, homophobia or discrimination in Australian public schools. Thank you all for your ongoing support of our film and our families.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 27th August 2015 - 11:51am