Minister Nahari. 'Danger'
Photo: Alon Nuriel
Minister Tamir. 'Tolerance'
Photo: Eli Elgarat
Last year's Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem
Photo: Reuters
Minister: Recognition of gays a danger
Shas up in arms regarding change in Ministry of Education policy towards homosexuals. Minister Nahari writes denunciating letter to education minister, claiming program unacceptable to parents
In response to recent developments by the Ministry of Education regarding treatment of homosexuals, Minister without Portfolio Meshulam Nahari (Shas) said in a letter Wednesday to Education Minister Yuli Tamir that "publishing such things endangers the nature of Israel's state education, which should reflect Israeli and Jewish traditions and values, and not aberrant phenomenon, regardless of how trendy they might be."
The ministry of education recently began to promote a new program of study on the subject of "identity and sexual preference" in order to combat homophobic behavior in the educational system.
Gay Pride
Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Amar asks Holy See to back efforts to block plans to hold J'lem gay parade
The new program is designed to provide students with a wide range of information on topics related to "the development of different sexual identities" and lays on the table terms that, up until now, were considered taboo in the ministry of education. For example, a discussion of sexual identity would include the terms heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgender.
Discussion moderators are instructed how to discuss these topics in a classroom. Thus, for example, they are told "not to assume that every coupled relationship is a heterosexual one; when speaking with adolescents, it's best to use neutral language as much as possible or to make sure to relate to all possible options. As in the phrase: are you in a relationship?"
The program contains articles on the topic of "the history of homosexuality", personal stories about coming out (including one by a lesbian teacher), a dictionary with useful terms regarding homosexuality, suggestions for teachers on how to cope with a homophobic environment in the classroom and more.
Tamir: We must aid those dealing with identity crisis
Minister Nahari said that "as an educator, I consider it a very grave matter to publish materials that are unacceptable to parents - who, it is safe to assume, aren't happy with bringing up such topics in public -and are dangerous to students without being essential.
"Especially serious is the fact that the ministry of education decided these things in conjunction with homosexual organizations, without the involvement of a legislative power or even a director general's notice. Thus, in practice, this program is being forced upon Israeli students without giving public officials or parents the ability to say anything about it.
"As someone with the good of the education system and the good of Israel at heart, I call upon you to cancel this program and remove it immediately from formal sites of the ministry of education."
Education Minister Prof. Yuli Tamir said in response that "the central role of the educational system is to foster in citizens in general, and in students in particular, the willingness to accept that which is different. Promotion of multiculturalism, equality and tolerance is a leading motivation of the ministry's activities.
"The educational system must aid those citizens who are dealing with identity crisis of any kind - be it because of ethnic background or sexual preference - in a kind, humane and professional manner."
She added that "during my term as education minister I will work to incorporate ideas of tolerance in the educational system, which will afford every person his right as a human being to choose his own identity and his own way."
