Topical Taboo: “Not in front of the children!” Are children being used to disguise homophobia?

Does learning about LGBT couples really confuse children about their own gender and sexuality, or is this argument just a veil for homophobia? Taboo explores what is being said on both sides.

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LGBT rights have come into the national spotlight this week after disagreement and controversy over whether the school curriculum – particularly sex education – should be inclusive of LGBT people. Parliament is due to debate this very issue, but it has sparked quite the argument between some parents and LGBT rights advocates.

It stems from a primary school in Birmingham that announced it would be teaching children about all types of families - including LGBT families that involve two dads or two mums. This was part of their ‘No Outsiders’ initiative, which aims to reduce homophobia and prejudice against LGBT people.

The lessons were to involve a picture book which included drawings of same sex parents. However, the reaction from parents was extremely negative. Hundreds of children were withdrawn from school in protest, and protesters continue to gather outside the school.

So, what is the reasoning behind this response? Some of the signs held by protesters read: “Say NO to [the] promoting of homosexuality and LGBT ways of life to our children.”

It would appear, then, that the fear is that lessons somehow encourage homosexuality. This seems like a bit of a stretch when it sounds like it’s just a picture book explaining there are different types of families.

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Here’s what some people have been saying on Twitter about the whole situation:

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The concern from LGBT folk seems to be that movements like this are the start of a slippery slope towards violent homophobia. This is arguably evidenced by reports of a rise in hate crime against LGBT people in Birmingham since the protests, as well as protests of this nature spreading to other regions such as Greater Manchester.

However, many of the parents involved in the protests insist that LGBT "values" or "narratives" are being forced upon children through these lessons. This is a recurring argument used against the teaching of LGBT rights. From a young age, children are repeatedly exposed to heterosexual couples and romances. Whether it's on screen in a Disney movie or in a story book - representation of straight romance is everywhere. So, if this isn't a problem, what's the big deal about a picture book with a gay couple in?

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Of course, there is a valid argument that sex education doesn't need to be taught in detail to young children - but surely that goes for all sex ed - not just LGBT? In this case, religion has been used as a reason for parents to intervene and protest the curriculum. It could be argued that that in itself is concerning.

Can religion be used as a valid reason not to teach a child something? Children in schools across the UK are taught about topics that conflict with religion - for example the big bang theory, which many would say directly contradicts the Christian teaching of the seven days of creation. So why specifically argue about gay rights being taught?

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Parkfield, the school at the centre of this argument, have vowed to continue the lessons after temporarily halting them. They say that they are preparing children "for life in modern Britain".

For children who do end up being LGBT, being taught that it is OK from a young age will only make them more secure and confident individuals in the future. For those who aren't, these lessons will encourage them to think about other family types and prevent a lack of understanding when they do meet LGBT people.

“People can be gay, but could they just be a bit quieter about it?” seems to be the mind-set of many who are involved in this argument. It simply does not make sense to state that you are not homophobic or prejudiced, but in the same breath say that you do not want your children to know of the existence of LGBT people.

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Do you have thoughts on this topic? Are you for or against these lessons being taught in schools - and why? We want to hear from you so we can discuss your comments in our upcoming podcast! Contact us on Twitter, Facebook or via email at contact.us.taboo@gmail.com.