Schools back marriage vote

Gay students assured they are valued, respected

GEELONG schools are supporting students having their say in the same-sex marriage postal survey.

The Geelong College principal Dr Peter Miller said senior students had taken the lead by encouraging students 18 and over to get on the electoral roll, giving them a say in the survey.

Meanwhile, staff and parents of students at Clonard Catholic College will receive a letter from the Trustees of Kil- dare Ministries addressing the same-sex marriage postal vote.

Principal Damian McKew said all students, including LGBTI students, were respected and accepted at Clonard Catholic College.

The head of Western Victoria’s primary health network, which services the Geelong region, said discrimination highlighted during the debate could lead to mental illness among members of the LGBTI community.

Executive officer Dr Leanne Bradley last week endorsed the “yes” vote on behalf of the network, saying all people had the right to be married without discrimination.

“Western Victoria PHN considers that the fundamental human rights principle of equality means that civil marriage should be available, without discrimination, to all couples, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity,” Dr Bradley said.

Dr Miller said students at The Geelong College were encouraged to embrace diversity.

“Our students learn the skills, attitudes and knowledge that enable them to thrive both within themselves, and in their relationships with others, through our whole school social and emotional learning program TripleR (which focuses on) relationships, resilience and reflection),” Dr Miller said.

“One of the cornerstones of this program is to embrace div- ersity and to instil the values of respect and inclusion.”

While Mr McKew said it was not the role of the school to encourage students to vote a certain way, he said all students at Clonard were valued, regardless of their sexual orientation.

“It is important to note that the college wishes to reassure our community that LGBTI (people) are valued, included and respected in the Clonard community and the wider Kil- dare Ministries community,” Mr McKew said. “What we are doing is to ensure that our school community is a place welcome and accepting of all, regardless of sexuality. We would never discriminate because an individual held a particular view on this issue.”

Clonard Catholic College has been accepted as a partner school for the State Government’s $21.8 million Respectful Relationships program. Mr McKew said the program, which aims to reduce family violence, would be embedded in the year 7-12 curriculum.