Homosexuality a 'sin'? *groan*. Hey, do you think it's okay then for Muslim schools to teach children that Christianity is a sin? Because if it's not okay for Muslim schools to teach children that other religions are sinful or evil, then Catholic schools and colleges need to exercise some neutrality when it comes to personal issues like sexuality, other religions or reproductive issues.

I hope the Tasmanian Government is taking a close look at what children are taught in Catholic schools. I have no problem with struggling private schools getting state funding so long as the money is used in teaching science, English, mathematics and not propagating the idea that people can rise from the dead or that non-believers are sinners. That can be propagated in churches.

Homosexuality is a sin. To support it or to encourage it would mean aiding someone in the destruction of their soul. That is something any Catholic college should think about very seriously.

Having said that, no Christian should ever bully another human being. No homosexual should be bullied or tormented. That too is sinful.

The school should be promoting kindness, charity and compassion to others because they are human beings, NOT because they are gay. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, gays included. BECAUSE that is the essence of Christ.

But to sanction and or support homosexuality does nothing for a homosexual except aid in the destruction of their soul. Something NO Catholic or Catholic college should EVER be a part of.

If they are willing to aid in the destruction of a homosexual's soul, then I, as a parent, could never allow my child to be around such individuals.

The idea of homosexuality as a 'sin' is like my opinion that Christianity is no better than astrology or witchcraft or the Islamic belief that Catholics will go to hell for not being Muslim. They're opinions not facts and should be regarded as such.

Now obviously teachers and school administrators are human beings and have opinions. However, good teachers in the public and private systems will try to avoid inflicting those opinions on students when they are supposed to be educating students. And any school which discriminates against students (gay, Christian or atheist) be they public, Catholic or Muslim schools should face severe consequences including funding withdrawal.

Actually when I think about it, I would like to see some actual proof that Christianity is in fact superior to astrology or witchcraft.

aqvarivs

I'd like to respond to your comments.

The great strength about Catholic Schools is their truly demonstrative ability to implement inclusive education ... not just speak the pedagogy, but deliver it.

socialism is their strength, not their weakness. They accept all. They do not judge.

Catholics are a broad demography. They are all included in their schools, and that's a tremendous opportunity for students from disadvantaged backgrounds that they can attend their schools and create social advantages for disadvantaged students. They are worthy of federal funding, and take much of the burden off public schooling.

Catholic mum of 3

Homophobia is a scurge in our society. Regardless of whether we consider homosexuality a sin or not, the point is that males are being bashed in schools because they are targeted as 'gay', regardless of whether they are gay or not.

Boys who do not meet an extremely narrow definition of 'masculinity' are frequently targeted for bullying that is nothing less than assault.

The fact that Catholic Education has acknowledged an issue with homophobia in their schools is demonstrative of their outstanding social justice awareness.

What is homophobia? One who acknowledges the truth of it's sinfulness? Or one who torments and bullies homosexuals based on their sexual orientation? What exactly constitutes homophobia?

I've known and have considered homosexuals to be my friend. However a friend does not help their friend by leading them into temptation. Or by aiding them in the destruction of their soul. That is no friend.

If I lie to a homosexual and sanction their behavior, I've become a tool for the devil. I have done nothing to help them, but only hurt them.

Homosexuals need honesty, kindness and friendship. They do NOT need someone to mislead them into the false belief that their behavior is NOT sinful.

Not everyone will agree with the Church on this issue. That is their personal choice to make. God gives us free will. However, a Catholic school is obligated to teach the TRUTH. They should never participate in the destruction of another human being's soul.

This is NOT homophobia, this is standing up for truth. It's spiritual leadership. Leadership that does not compromise TRUTH because society rejects the teachings of Christ.

If you do not believe in the TRUTH Christ brought us, it's simple, do not attend a Catholic College.

But public funding comes from taxpayers who are diverse in their beliefs. People like me who do believe in the teachings of the Church. Why can't my tax dollars go towards an education that I believe in? Why do you wish to dictate how my tax dollars should be spent? If anyone is limiting CHOICE, it's those who refuse to allow my tax dollars to pay for an education I support.

Liz, religion and politics don't mix. If someone declares Catholic schools to be limiting choice then I say remove the public choice all together, as well as public funding. And get rid of the non Catholic teachers who have invaded the system and their working attempt to downgrade the catholic education system so that it is no different from the public school system. And I think we are talking about two different socialism. I'm not talking about universal brotherhood. I can get behind that(no pun intended for all you gays out there :-))I'm talking about the socialism of the lowest common denominator. Our school curriculum being designed for the acceptance of the least motivated rather than setting a bar that motivates and tests and inspires one to achieve. Not this promoting "get them through the system, nobody fails" socialism that is a pox on our society.