Parents protest anti-homophobic ‘day of kindness’ at southern school
Protesters descended on an Adelaide school this morning prompting an advocacy group to criticise ‘hateful rhetoric’ over the school marking an international day against homophobia.
Local advocacy group Trans Justice Adelaide has commended students at Reynella East College for their “bravery” in attending school today amid “hateful rhetoric” shown by protesters this morning.
About 40 protesters lined up across from the school’s front gates on Malbeck Drive from 8am on Wednesday, SA Police attended and confirmed no protesters entered school grounds.
The protesters held signs with slogans like “ABC not LGBTQIA+” and “protect your children’s innocence” written next to a drawn cross in opposition to a day where children were invited to wear rainbow colours to support the school’s “inclusive community”.
Parents and supporters gathered after receiving a letter telling how Reynella East College that has more than 1900 students from Reception to Year 12, would celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) today.
IDAHOBIT marks the anniversary of the World Health Organisation removing homosexuality from its classifications of diseases in 1990.
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The letter said to celebrate the day, the school would run activities in its usual program and during breaks. Students were invited to wear rainbow accessories such as scrunchies, socks, wristbands or ribbon pins along with their uniforms “as a symbol of support for our inclusive community”.
A parent shared the letter to a Facebook group, organising the protest to “stand up against gender education”.
Other posts in the “Community Voice SA – Southern Suburbs” Facebook group included screenshots of the Education Department’s advice on using preferred names for gender diverse children, saying it was “insanity”.
Trans Justice Adelaide said it was “deeply concerned” by the protest.
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“We commend the students for their bravery in supporting one another, even if we wish bravery wasn’t needed,” the group said in a statement.
“IDAHOBIT is a day of kindness which advocates against bullying and discrimination against the queer community.
“It is not indoctrination to teach children to care for and respect one another.
“We send our support to the students and staff who may be exposed to hateful rhetoric while just trying to go to school.”
Pride Adelaide – which organises the city’s pride march – said: “Peaceful disagreement is part of democracy, targeting a school community, students or staff for recognising inclusion crosses a line”.
“Every young person deserves to walk into school knowing they are valued exactly as they are,” the group said in a statement.
“IDAHOBIT exists because every young person deserves to feel safe, seen and celebrated. To those who chose kindness and inclusion today, you are living proof of why this day matters.”
The Education Department was contacted for comment.
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