Parents oppose unisex toilets in schools
Concerned parents across the country have started a petition to halt the Department of Education’s plans to introduce unisex toilets in public schools.
Parents and religious groups have slammed the Department of Education for proposing to introduce “unisex” toilets in South African schools.
The panic relates to a single section of the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) draft guidelines for the socio-educational inclusion of diverse sexual orientations, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics in Schools. (The section in question is 7.12, on bathrooms and change facilities).
Parent and community activist, Jessica Naicker told Fever that they strongly oppose the proposed move from government to introduce unisex bathrooms, saying that it defies logic to accommodate the minority whilst the majority will be inconvenienced and the most vulnerable will be put at risk.
She added that it is a moral, ethical and religious infringement.
“We are actively involved within schools and with counselling, there already are too many cases of abuse within schools, children are exposed to things they should never be exposed to at their age, having bathroom facilities that can be used by both males and females will only increase the number of sexual abuse incidents, rape, and pregnancies. Needless to say those with sexual addictions and sexual predators will use this to their benefit,” said Naicker.
She added: “Should the Department feel the need to accommodate children that are having issues identifying with who they are then the solution is to build separate bathrooms to accommodate them. Biblically, God created male and female, and the same God that created Adam and Eve is the same God that reigns today. He is not the author of confusion. We as parents and a community would love to have the peace of mind knowing that when our children go to school their rights are respected and that they will be safe.”
Meanwhile, the Department had said the draft guidelines were developed to assist school administrators, leaders and educators with developing and implementing strategies for a safe, equitable, and socially just learning environment for all learners, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression and sex characteristics.
It added that the guidelines emphasise a practical approach and tools to widen an inclusive schooling environment that aligns with constitutional values, and that affirm and protect diverse learners.
Also, concerned parents across the country have started a petition to halt the Department of Education’s plans to introduce unisex toilets in public schools. The petition already has over 50 000 signatures.
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