German politicians criticise gay roleplay at school
In an effort to combat playground homophobia, a school in Berlin has introduced a series controversial exercises that role-play picking up a gay partner.
The Regional Institute for School and Media, which teaches children of 14 and over, hopes they will help to change their attitudes towards gay people.
Some German politicians have been outraged by the plans.
Mieke Senftleben, Education spokesman for the Liberal FDP Party acknowledged that while “Education about homosexuality, discrimination and intolerance is necessary,” the current materials should be replaced.
“I think having such topics on how to pick up gay men in role playing games for youths is completely wrong. We are talking about 14 year old pupils,” he said, according to Ananova.com
In response, Juergen Zoellne, local MP for Education said, “”The authors behind the idea used a very common language among pupils and the exercises proved to be suitable for school.
“However, I will ask the authors to see whether they can reach the same goals with a less colloquial language.”
