Humanists urge parents not to rely on ‘misleading, dishonest propaganda’

The Malta Humanist Association has urged parents to read summaries and online review of LGBTIQ-friendly books in order to see for themselves what the books are all about.

“Don’t rely on misleading and dishonest propaganda,” the MHA urged parents concerned with making such books available at schools.

A newly set up social media group claims that the books would “indoctrinate” children.

“This misinformation is causing concern among some parents who have been led to believe that these books contain explicit sexual information, or that they teach young children about sex, although - revealingly - these claims never identify which of the books supposedly contain this material.

“Since MGRM has made available a list of ISBN numbers, the MHA looked up each of these books to learn more about them. Not a single book was found about sex or masturbation. These books, which are aimed at children of different ages, are about promoting acceptance among the children - not only of other children and their families, but of themselves - and at combating bullying in schools.”

The MHA said that the books, as well as the promotion of diversity, are in line with Malta’s 2012 National Curriculum Framework.

An extract of the NCF reads that it “acknowledges Malta’s growing cultural diversity, and values the history and traditions of its people. It acknowledges and respects individual differences of age, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, personal development, socio- cultural background, geographical location and ethnicity.

“The NCF affirms that all children can learn, grow and experience success by: respecting diversity in all its forms, promoting an inclusive environment and ensuring policies and practices that address the individual and specific needs of the learners and learning community.”

The MHA encouraged the Ministry to make these resources available as widely as possible to teachers, including by supplementing the limited number of books with others that similarly promote a positive and tolerant society.