PARENTS here are signing an online petition to express their concern about the 'comprehensive sexuality' (CSE) programme conducted in schools by Aware.

So far, about 1,300 people have joined in to call for schools to 'exercise greater care in bringing in sexuality programmes in future'.

While those who sign the petition can choose to remain anonymous, most have chosen to identify themselves.

The petition website also includes a letter addressed to the Minister of Education (MOE). Many also left comments with their signatures.

A signatory, who went by the name of Chan LC, said: 'I hope the MOE will take up this matter seriously and respond to all the concerned parents regarding this issue soon.'

Another signatory, Mr Lee Jun Feng, said: 'Homosexuality should be tolerated but not encouraged.'

Dr Tan Siew Pin of Olive Tree Baby and Kids Clinic said: 'I am a paediatrician and would be happy to volunteer to teach in the schools sexuality in an accurate and profamily way.'

She related an instance where her daughter and classmates in an all-girls' school were allegedly outraged when a teacher commented that homosexuality was not normal, while teaching a scientific concept.

'I am alarmed because this may only be the tip of the iceberg. Their concept of a normal family now embraces same sex couples,' said Dr Tan.

For the past week, the new guard at Aware has claimed that the CSE programme conducted by the old guards endorsed homosexuality.

Ministry investigating

When contacted, a spokesman for the Ministry of Education (MOE) said the Ministry is investigating some parents' concern over the content found in an 'Aware Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Basic Instructor Guide' that has been posted online.

The spokesman added that the MOE sexuality education programme, which is conducted from upper primary to pre-university level, reflects the mainstream views and values of Singapore society, where the majority of Singaporeans hold conservative views.

Any sexuality programme, whether conducted by the MOE or by an external vendor, has to be based on the importance of the family and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues.

Said the spokesman: 'In MOE's sexuality education programme, homosexuality is covered in one lesson in the lower secondary package. The lesson seeks to inform students of the definition of 'homosexual', and that homosexual acts are illegal under Singapore law.

'It does not promote homosexuality, but follows social norms of mainstream society.'

MOE encourages students to seek guidance from their parents to clarify their personal values and beliefs to make informed decisions regarding sexuality, while being aware of different views in society.

- Pearly Tan, newsroom intern

This article was first published in The New Paper.