http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/209440

[20 September 2012] - We urge the government to implement sex and sexuality education in schools instead of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) guidelines that may cause discrimination and bullying against children.

Instead of instituting restrictive gender roles in schools, children should be given comprehensive sex education so that they can express themselves freely on sexuality and gender issues.

The federal constitution states that there shall be no gender discrimination against Malaysian citizens.

The United Nations' Convention on the rights of the child (CRC), of which Malaysia is a signatory, also states that the government must ensure that children are protected against all forms of discrimination.

These LGBT guidelines are inaccurate and only promote stereotypical gender roles. Issuing such guidelines will promote hatred and rejection against children who do not conform to gender stereotypes.

Such children may be ostracised by their peers. This will impact their psychological growth and self development as they are not able to learn in a safe environment.

Comprehensive sex education should comprise topics on gender, sex, and sexuality.

Children should be taught about gender identity, the emotional effects of healthy peer relationships, as well as the various forms of sexuality.

This will not necessarily lead to children becoming sexually active or becoming homosexual.

Instead, it will help children understand their bodies better and make informed decisions on sex and sexuality.

The CRC states that children must be allowed to develop to their fullest potential.

Hence, the government should educate them instead of trying to identify gay children and singling them out for condemnation.

It is essential that any guideline or policy developed be in the best interest of the child.

This joint statement was released by:
- Voice of the Children (VoC)
- Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK)
- PS The Children (PSC)
- Malaysian Child Resource Institute (MCRI).

Further Information: 

• MALAYSIA: Outrage over seminars on 'how to spot gay children' (17 September 2012) 
• MALAYSIA: No to gender 'corrective' bootcamp for boys! (20 April 2012) 
• MALAYSIA: Corrective boot camps to ‘fix’ effeminate boys (19 April 2011)
• INDIA: In defence of their gay children, 19 parents go to Supreme Court (10 February 2011)
• LITHUANIA: Euro-Politicians Again Hit Out at Anti-Gay Proposals by Lithuanian MPs (10 January 2011)
• CRIN Editorial on DISCRIMINATION: Children and Sexuality (CRIN, May 2010)
• CRIN issues: sexuality
• More news on children, sexuality and discrimination
• Guide to non-discrimination and the CRC 
• More on children's rights in Malaysia

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Last updated 21/09/2012 11:12:16

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