MPs yesterday unanimously voted to seek an immediate government probe into alleged “homosexual” content being taught in secondary schools.
They have also demanded that the Family Education subject be suspended until the “offensive” content is removed.
A sample page from the Family Education 101 book being taught to Grade 10 students was displayed during Parliament’s weekly session.
The page shows a caricature of a male student looking at himself in a mirror, surrounded by hearts around him.
Questions
The page contains the questions: “What is your name? Do you like your name? Are you a male or a female? Do you like your gender? When and where were you born? Do you like that? What is your blood type? How do you see your face, hair, nose and mouth? Do you like it? How do you see your body, height, weight and general view? Do you like it? How do you see your mental ability, smartness and success? Do you like it?”
Outraged social media users urged MPs to step in to get the chapter deleted.
“We were shocked to see that the Education Ministry, which should be promoting good values, is teaching immorality under its Family Education curriculum,” said services committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari, who spearheaded the call for a probe along with four other MPs.
“This is homosexual material and is as unacceptable as authorised celebrations of Diwali and Halloween that have invaded our schools in the name of partying and a good time.”
The page exhibited in Parliament
Ammar Qambar questioned Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi if he was male or female, and whether he liked it.
However, Speaker Fouzia Zainal said the remark would be omitted from official records.
Several MPs demanded that she keep it in the records until the minister clarified the subject.
Ms Zainal said the reinsertion of the comments would be voted on during next week’s session.
“It has been six days since the issue was highlighted on social media and the ministry remained silent wihout offering any explanation,” said Mr Qambar.
“Is the material being sourced from an outside party? Has it been bought under force from sources that encourage homosexuality?”
Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al Asoomi said such curriculum harmed society.
“What kind of future generations will come out from this nonsense?
“Many parents have told us that they will not send their children to school, or attend the particular lesson, in person or online, until it is deleted.”
The proposal will now be reviewed by the Cabinet.
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