I WAS first surprised to read the revelation by Dr Thio Su Mien in last Friday's report, 'Lawyer's key role in Aware coup', that schools have introduced lesbianism and homosexuality programmes.

Subsequently, I am completely taken aback by the Ministry of Education's letter yesterday, 'MOE: No complaints from parents, Dr Thio', that the ministry had not received any complaints from parents thus far, which seems to give it the green light to continue.

Parents trust that their children will be taught basic core values in school. How many are aware enough of what the schools offer to complain? Depending on how close children are to their parents, most children, especially those in secondary school, do not share all personal details with their parents.

If we are to preserve the basic fabric of society, we must introduce the basics to children first - variations can always be added in minute doses later. Once both are introduced in parallel and given the same weightage, young impressionable minds may be confused into thinking that all forms of deviations are 'normal' and 'acceptable to society'.

Chiang Meng Lee (Mdm)

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

Related stories:
» Kudos to MOE, Aware's sexuality education programme needs more clarity
» Thanks, MOE, for sensitive handling of a delicate, vital concern
» Describe what is being taught about homosexuality in programme