Liberal's 'Family First' will put gay students last

Potential attacks on the W.A gay law reforms have direct repercussions for the access of queer students to higher education, say representatives from queer and educational organisations.

In their Family First position paper on the law reforms, the Liberal party have explicitly stated their intention to repeal equal age of consent laws for same sex and heterosexual acts. Furthermore, the position paper contains the statement that "The Liberal Party does not support any attempt to promote homosexuality to young people in our schools during their formative years," says Rod Swift, convenor of Gay and Lesbian Equality W.A.

"Promoting homosexuality is not the issue," says Farida Iqbal, national queer officer for the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations. It's a matter of acknowledging that there ARE queer students in high school, and they are vulnerable and need support. Statistics indicate that queer youth are 3-7 times higher than heterosexual youth to attempt suicide. If queer youth aren't even making it out of high school alive, then it's hardly likely they will make it into postgraduate studies and academia."

The queer teachers and students organisation B-LeGITS notes: "The Liberal's Family First Policy means that teachers may not even be able to assist a student who is even questioning their sexuality for fear or reprimand. Colin Barnett's plan to drive issues regarding sexuality underground in schools will only lead to more young people feeling isolated and alone and risk the mental health of young people. This policy helps no one, gay or straight."

Craig Comrie, National Queer Officer for the National Union of Students adds, "Queer young people are already some of the most marginalised members of our society. Education in schools about homosexuality would lead to student acceptance of difference, making schools and other institutions a safer, more nurturing environment for queer young people."