Gays tolerated in Catholic schools
Catholic schools in NSW are combating homophobic bullying with the -˜hate the sin, love the sinner’ approach, an inquiry heard last week.
Catholic Education Commission policy director Ian Baker told the NSW bullying inquiry he wanted to challenge the assumption that Catholics promote the bullying of homosexuals.
Quoting catechism, he said homosexual persons must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.
But the Catholic Church had no intention of backing away from its understanding of family, marriage and sexuality.
They are not mutually exclusive propositions and certainly no Catholic educator should be harassing, bullying or demeaning any person of homosexual persuasion, Baker said.
Each diocese and school could develop their own anti-bullying policy, he said, but the example offered by the Commission specifically addressed homophobia and racism as causes, and suggested strategies for making Catholic schools safer environments.
Greens MP John Kaye challenged the Commission on how Catholic schools could be safe for same-sex attracted students when Archbishop George Pell said the normalisation of homosexuality was eroding the moral ecology of society and was a greater health hazard than smoking.
Archbishop Pell is a leader of one of the dioceses that runs Catholic schools. If you are modelling empathetic behaviour and then Archbishop Pell says things that are openly hostile to homosexuals and homosexuality, is there not a disjuncture between what is being said? Kaye asked.
Respect for human dignity and human rights were applied equally, Catholic child protection officer Carolyn Hadley said, whether bullying was based on same-sex attraction, racism or any other distinction.
We would make a very clear distinction between the moral rejection of certain behaviours and the acceptance and understanding of the person and respecting that person’s rights and dignity within the school setting.
Kaye told Sydney Star Observer he was appalled by the response and felt it let down same-sex attracted students who are already at greater risk of suicide.
At least in this country we acknowledge we have a problem with homophobic bullying. In Ireland gays wont even admit it happens through some kind of misguided patriotism. Within the gay community there I have seen bullying based on race and disability. So it is true gays bully other gays.Better watch what i say may attract the ire of some deranged Irishman.(no offence to irish people in general).
Its more important than ever to tackle homophobic bullying with higher gay visibility in this day and age. James if there is no need tackle this specifically please tell this to the disproportinate amount of young gay men who develop mental and substance abuse problems, as well as suicides related to sexuality in the often difficult coming out process.
James…you a self professed “straight” man you really do have an unhealthy obbsession with homosexuality…lol.
Brian – you’re backtracking using those examples. Cut your losses, you’re simply confusing yourself.
But I digress.
If we assume for a moment that I was gay and was having difficulty “coming out” it’s interesting that the only support you can manage is to make fun of me.
But as I’m not gay, it’s also interesting that the best you can do is attempt to belittle me by being gay, like you are.
Are you sure you’re comfortable with your sexuality matey?
Every group of people has symptoms.
For example :
– Being attracted to a member of the opposite sex would be a symptom of heterosexuality.
– Wearing a cross around your neck would be a symptom of Christianity.
Perhaps I may be mis using the word “symptom” but alas, I always see the world through scientific eyes :o)
p.s I think its adorable how confused guys always react brutally towards intimate words such as “matey”… It’s cute.
Brian – accusing me of being gay is an old trick “matey”. It’s up there with me being a salt shaker and a religous nutcase. You’re sending me to sleep with this old one.
On another note, I didn’t know that gay people had “symptoms”.
I’m just reading all the post’s from James, my gosh, its almost like his only using this website to come to terms of being gay, all your symptoms in your post’s point to this matey.
Try ACONS website, they have allot of service’s for coming to grips with homosexuality, support groups etc.
For the sake of accidently being misunderstood that im making fun,I am being serious.
Mike of Victoria – If everyone is boring you to tears, homophobic bullying is making allot of people cry there tears – If you want somthing to talk about thats worth while in our “gay” lives then simply scroll up and read the article.
You dont think gay bullying/discrimination etc is worth while??
Mike – “Geezzzz all of you are fucking -œboring me to bloody tears – boring, lets talk about something worth while for one in our gay lives????”
And your a entertaining person on this website ?
Geezzzz all of you are fucking “boring me to bloody tears” – boring, lets talk about something worth while for one in our gay lives????
“Wahh Wahh Wahh Im a straight guy trying to make a point” –
Do you even understand the sensitivity of topic you are trying to go against? (im talking about the above article).
This whole website has simply become a hobby of yours, all youre doing is having fun by trying to stir up controversy – its either that or he cant get enough of the pin up boy on the voice personnels ad to the left.
LAME? HELLOO??
All I remember about Catholic School was the endless whingeing of Teachers: Dont Nag! Ive Got a headache! Im not paid enough! and their approach to Bullying was, “All of you, sit down and get on with your work” or simply turning a blind eye! OK! NOW! Teachers get more than enough PAY! 12 weeks off plus Annual leave, Public Holidays and Sick leave per year. If they want a job that pays Great money why dont they go into IT or Finance!
Jason – I bet you would!!!
SILENCE IS A BULLYS PARADISE!
James I would pay good money to watch you go under forced diversity training.