P.p.t.a. Paper (Press, 21 August 1986)
This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.
Summary: P.p.t.a. Paper (Press, 21 August 1986)
In a discussion regarding the teaching of homosexuality in New Zealand schools, there have been diverging opinions expressed in letters to the editor dated August 19, 1986. Ross Dowling responds to J. Nihoniho and expresses concern over the perception that all secondary teachers will suddenly promote homosexual and lesbian orientations among students. He reassures that this assumption is unfounded and indicates that the "Issues of Equality" paper is receiving disproportionate attention compared to other significant topics set to be addressed at the upcoming P.P.T.A. annual conference. Dowling argues that the majority of the conference papers will have broader implications for pupils and emphasizes the need to counteract narrow-mindedness in education. In contrast, Keith C. Van Kessel argues against concerning classrooms as venues for promoting positive views on homosexuality. He cites two recent parliamentary battles: one that aimed to decriminalise homosexual behaviour, which passed narrowly, and another that would have allowed discrimination against homosexuals, which was rejected. He cautions teachers against using the decriminalisation as a justification for advocacy in schools, suggesting that such actions may validate the concerns of opponents of the bill. Van Kessel raises concerns about the association between homosexuality and the transmission of AIDS, stating that teaching a lifestyle perceived as dangerous should not be endorsed. Both correspondence reflects the heated debate surrounding the issue of homosexuality in education during this period in New Zealand, highlighting contrasting views on the role of teachers in discussing sexual orientation with students.
Important Information
The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact
The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand