MGRM And Activist Groups Issue Joint Statement On Case Of Children Withdrawn Over Gay Teacher
LGBTIQ+ activist group MGRM alongside multiple other local NGOs responded to the ongoing controversy revolving around the couple who withdrew their children from a government primary school after discovering their son’s teacher was gay.
MGRM, opened the statement by expressing the organisation’s solidarity with Stephan Vassallo, the teacher involved, as well as the college for standing by him during the trying times.
The statement continued by prefacing the already ongoing discourse circulating the nation, that education, regardless by whom it’s being carried out, helps guide children and shape them into kind, informed and open-minded people.
“When children interact with teachers from diverse backgrounds, they learn empathy, acceptance and the importance of respecting everyone, including their peers or their educators,” the statement added.
The organisation voiced their disappointment in the actions of the parents, describing the decision as “worrying,” primarily due to the example being given to other students who might be going through the process of coming out or simply still understanding their sexuality.
“This may lead them into thinking that they deserve exclusion and isolation when all they need is love, understanding, guidance and intensive support at this delicate coming out process,” the statement read, “Supportive educators and inclusive schools are thus especially important for LGBTIQ students, who still face marginalisation and bullying despite the legal progress made in recent years.”
Sympathies for Vassallo persisted when the organisation stated that teachers such as him should be celebrated for their professionalism and dedication to educating young minds.
“Today, a gay teacher found a supportive school environment. But for others in different schools and other workplaces, this may not be the case and LGBTIQ persons may be denied a promotion, rejected from employment or fired for their identity.”
The organisation recognised that while religion is a personal belief, it believes that it shouldn’t be used to discriminate against anyone for their own personal beliefs or ways of life.
The statement closed with a call to action, urging the government to “show it is against all forms of discrimination, including homophobia and transphobia, by prioritising the Equality Act as soon as possible,” following “silence” on bills proposed in 2023.
The joint statement was signed by Signed by Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM), LGBTI+ Gozo, Checkpoint Malta, Moviment Graffitti, aditus foundation, Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), Drachma LGBTI, Drachma Parents, Men against Violence, Lawyers for Choice, Women’s Rights Foundation, Young Progressive Beings, Women for Women Foundation, Humanists Malta, Doctors for Choice, Parents for Choice.
What’s your take on the NGOs response?
Image credit to LGBTI+ Gozo on Facebook
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