The controversial books that were banned – and then unbanned.
NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli has reversed a ban on controversial school books which critics claim contain sexist and homophobic messages.
Earlier this month, the Department of Education banned three books – Teen Sex: By The Book by Patricia Weerakoon, You: An Introduction by Michael Jensen, and A Sneaking Suspicion by John Dickson – which are used by scripture teachers in Special Religious Classes.
The books were banned after parents and teachers complained to the department about their content, especially their focus on heterosexuality and abstinence.
They were found to violate departmental policy, however, following pressure from religious groups and church leaders, Mr Piccoli reversed the decision.
In a letter to Archbishop Glenn Davies, Mr Piccoli writes that Teen Sex: By the Book has never been a part of the SRE curriculum and “should never have been used in SRE in government schools”.
However, he also writes that there was now “no ban in place” for You: An Introduction and A Sneaking Suspicion.
As we discussed, the original memorandum was issued by the DEC on advice that there was a potential risk to students in the delivery of this material, if not taught sensitively and in an age appropriate manner. I was pleased to hear of your assurance that sensitive, age appropriate delivery of SRE is an integral part of the training of SRE teachers in the Diocese of Sydney.
In a statement, Mr Piccoli said he was “pleased the Anglican Archbishop has agreed to remind Anglican SRE providers in the Diocese of Sydney that Teen Sex By the Book is not part of the SRE curriculum”.
“There is no ban on the use of You: An Introduction by Dr Michael Jensen and A Sneaking Suspicion by Dr John Dickson in Special Religious Education (SRE). I welcome an assurance from the Anglican Church that these books will be used in a sensitive, age appropriate manner in SRE,” he said.
However, CEO of parent lobby group Fairness In Religions In School Lara Wood told Mamamia that SRE teachers were being trained by Teen Sex: By The Book author Patricia Weerakoon herself.
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Top Comments
I wonder if these books include anything about it being the wrong thing to protect members of the clergy that are sexually abusing young boys?
Facts. Check the facts.
The books were NOT found to violate departmental policy. There was some concern from the DEC about how the material might be taught.
The DEC breached the clear guidelines as to how this matter should be dealt with in acting as it did.
The irony and hypocrisy of a Sydney Anglican of your ilk speaking of 'facts' is breathtaking. The issue, which you fail to deal with at all, ever, is the damage done to young people by your misguided attempt to 'save' them from themselves and the supposed barbarism of contemporary society. Your toxic message has no place in schools.
That's not ironic (if it were true) by the way.
At least you accept you're hypocritical. And of course it's ironic; no need for the subjunctive. But thanks for trying to use pedantry to sidestep the real issue.