Parents Told Not To Pass On Bias (Press, 21 November 1989)
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Summary: Parents Told Not To Pass On Bias (Press, 21 November 1989)
On 21 November 1989, Dr Felix Donnelly, a youth counsellor and Catholic priest, published a booklet titled “Teenage Sexuality” which aims to guide parents in addressing sexual issues without imposing their religious biases onto their children. This publication is part of a series of seven parental guides released by the Government Printing Office. Dr Donnelly has faced criticism, particularly from Christian fundamentalists, for his progressive views on sexual matters. In his booklet, he addresses the topic of sexual identity, arguing that the foundations for Christian condemnation of homosexuality lack solid scriptural support. He encourages parents to reject widely held myths about homosexuals and to foster a supportive environment for their children, regardless of their sexual orientation. Dr Donnelly stresses that parents with religious biases should refrain from imposing these beliefs on their children, as doing so can lead to burdensome experiences for the youth. The core message of “Teenage Sexuality” is that sexual expression and understanding are key components of an individual’s development. Dr Donnelly suggests that it is crucial for parents to adopt a positive approach rather than instilling guilt related to sexual issues. He has a notable background, having assisted thousands of children and lecturing in behavioural science at the Auckland Medical School. Meanwhile, Mr John Seymour, the director of publications at the Government Printing Office, noted that the decision to publish the Parent’s Guide series contributes to the release of more than 50 original New Zealand books in that year, indicating a commitment to providing parents with essential resources on various subjects.
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