Teachers’ ‘gay’ Support (Press, 16 August 1986)
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Summary: Teachers’ ‘gay’ Support (Press, 16 August 1986)
On 16 August 1986, Canterbury post-primary teachers voted to endorse a paper aimed at prohibiting discrimination against homosexual and lesbian teachers. This decision followed a similar vote by Auckland teachers earlier in the week, both supporting recommendations proposed by the national executive of the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association. During their regional conference, 60 delegates from Canterbury largely accepted the recommendations outlined in the paper titled "Issues of Equality." The key proposals included various measures to enhance support for homosexual students and teachers. One significant recommendation was to ensure that school guidance counsellors receive training focused on the needs of homosexual students. Furthermore, the delegates supported extending removal expenses and housing entitlements that are typically granted to married couples to also include homosexual couples. Additionally, there was a move to broaden the definition of compassionate leave to encompass all couples regardless of sexual orientation. However, the Canterbury delegates did amend one aspect of the recommendations which stated that resource material about homosexuality used in schools should be presented positively. Instead, they voted for this material to be presented in a neutral manner, both in content and in presentation. The delegates also expressed support for establishing a working party alongside the Education Department to explore the implementation of peace studies in schools. They urged the Government to sponsor a national conference for stakeholders involved in integrating peace studies into education. The outcomes of this meeting and the recommendations put forth will be further discussed at the national conference of the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association, which is scheduled to take place in Wellington at the end of the month.
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