The teacher, who was identified as 32-year-old Stefan Vassallo, said that he has been a teacher for 10 years and that this case of discrimination was the first he’s ever experienced in his field.

The couple was reported as saying that they “did not like the idea of children mixing with people ‘who are not straight,’” ultimately leading to their decision of moving their children to a “more suitable” environment.

Vassallo told media that despite his lack of confrontation in the past, he claimed that he is still “always walking on eggshells” due to unpredictable reactions from people or parents – having to occasionally “tone it down.”

He also said that prior to the incident, he had never met the parents in person before, however, he wrote them a letter expressing his disappointment and opinions on the parents’ reactions.

The letter addressed that their “protection” of their children, could easily result in long-term damage, that could develop fear and dismissal in the children of specific groups of people.

He also emphasised the need to harbour inclusion in schools in order to help develop empathy and understanding and ensure that they get the education they deserve.

The mother of the child clarified that the issue was not a professional one and she did not doubt his educational abilities, however, she said it was a personal issue.

Would a teacher’s sexual preference affect you or your children?