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Summary: Teaching On Homosexuality ‘to Enhance... (Press, 29 August 1986)
On 29 August 1986, the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association (P.P.T.A.) held its annual conference in Wellington, where post-primary teachers voted in favour of promoting understanding and acceptance of homosexuality in educational settings. This decision, passed with a vote of 97 to 15, along with three abstentions, arose during discussions on a paper addressing the rights of lesbian and homosexual teachers. The recommendations included that derogatory language directed at homosexuals and lesbians should be actively challenged, and that guidance counsellors should receive training to understand the needs of lesbian and homosexual students. Additionally, counsellors are to be equipped with the necessary resources to assist these students and have the responsibility to educate their colleagues. The P.P.T.A. also called for the assurance that teachers would not face discrimination based on their sexuality, as well as a commitment from employers to ensure that schools remain free from harassment related to sexuality. The debate highlighted concerns regarding the implications of the terms "understanding" and "acceptance." Some members, including Mr. Bruce Logan from Auckland, expressed worry that promoting acceptance could be interpreted as endorsing homosexuality, which he found problematic. Conversely, P.P.T.A. senior vice-president Mr. Tony Steele clarified that while teachers would encourage respectful dialogue about homosexuality, they would not promote derogatory perspectives. He emphasized the importance of polite and respectful communication that fosters understanding and acceptance without causing confusion. Another P.P.T.A. executive member, Mr. Warwick Kingston-Smith, suggested that the debate was somewhat moot, as any resource materials would need approval from local boards of governors and the community, who may not support content enhancing acceptance of homosexuality. Ms. Shona Heran, also an executive member, argued that current teaching practices were biased towards heterosexual perspectives, noting that topics like the negative aspects of heterosexual relationships, including marriage difficulties and abuse, were often overlooked in the curriculum. The discussions and resulting recommendations marked a significant step in considering the rights and needs of homosexual and lesbian educators and students within New Zealand schools, fostering a shift towards a more inclusive educational environment.
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