Sex education leaflet ‘a point of view’

In no way was any ‘agenda’ being pushed down our throats nor were we persuaded or forced to change our views.

A Christchurch school principal is defending contentious material given to pupils labelling women in de facto relationships ‘‘cheap prostitutes’’ and male partners ‘‘cowards’’ for not proposing marriage.

The literature has drawn criticism from the Ministry of Education which says it does not fit with the sexuality education curriculum, while Labour education spokesman Chris Hipkins says it should be withdrawn completely.

The text titled ‘‘Safe Sex’’, produced by the American-based Bible Baptist Publications, came to light after Papanui High School parent Lydia Clark complained to the school when her 15-yearold daughter brought it home.

It included strong Christian views, branding unmarried couples who live together ‘‘habitual and irresponsible fornicators’’, while ‘‘death and hell’’ awaited those having gay sex.

‘‘She thinks he’s a wonderful man, yet he’s such a coward he can’t even ask her to be his wife. He thinks she’s a fine lady, yet she’s nothing more than a cheap prostitute who allows herself to be used for his sexual gratification in exchange for what seems to be a stable and secure home life,’’ the material said.

‘‘Either you are married or you are not married. If you are not married, yet you have sexual relations, then you are a wicked fornicator.’’

Papanui High School principal Jeff Smith said the resource was used by 50 pupils in a classroom setting with the aim to show one perspective in a range of societal views, not to discriminate, offend or impose a particular view.

‘‘If we are not able to show them a range of perspectives, a range of view points, then how can they actually make informed decisions around the information and where it sits?’’

He said up until this point, pupils had been clear on the material and its intent.

One pupil commented on the story, saying ‘‘in no way was any ‘agenda’ being pushed down our throats nor were we persuaded or forced to change our views’’.

Pupil comment