London

I understand that there is a lot of lesbians, bisexuals and gays but I think it is up to the parents to decide if their children should know or not. It is stupid that children at a small age are going to know about this sort of thing... it wasn't Adam and Steve... it was Adam and Eve.

I think the media have gone too far with gays, lesbians and bisexuals, everyone to their own but we should decide when and how to tell the younger generation.

It is hard enough for children to cope with (maybe for some children) to live with two mums or two dads... you have to have one mum and one dad to bring up a child in the right way... and you have to have a female and a male to make a baby. I do not agree with it at all.

Cory (aged 14)

The whole innocence of children is being taken away with this need to teach sex education to primary school children.  It is totally unnecessary. Homosexuality goes against our natural state.  Men and women were created to cohabit and reproduce.  Same sex couples cannot reproduce can they? Doesn't this go against evolution?

You cannot compare a child not feeling accepted because enough has not been done to make their race feel accepted to the same as homosexuality because their skin colour cannot be changed.  That is natural and the way they were born. Homosexuality is a choice and goes against man's natural way of being created.  It is unfair on children to take away their innocence and impose sex education on them at such a young age, and then something so abnormal as homosexuality.  Let children be children.

Mrs Farquhar

I completely agree with the teaching of young children about the different types of relationship. This is a major way to stop homophobia in later life. As I child when I was coming out I thought I was disgusting and the only person in the world who was attracted to people of the same sex. I wish I had been taught about same sex relationships as a young child.

If there was this sort of education, there would not be many gay suicides every year or people being beaten to death... Children don't need to be taught about Gay sex or straight sex at a young age, but they need to be taught about how two people can love one another and about straight, gay and bisexual families.

Norman

Homophobic hate crime is a major problem and it is no wonder. Society does too little to challenge the extreme hatred that too many still have towards gay and lesbian people.

The books have nothing to do with indoctrination, or more ludicrously ‘promoting’ homosexuality. The purpose of the books is to make people aware that gay people exist.

Statistically, virtually every family will have a relative who is gay or lesbian. Most children have to counter this fact at some family occasion. The alternative is a child being indoctrinated with irrational hatred, to become tomorrow’s thug, bully or murderer.

For the sake of Michael Causer, brutally kicked to death last July, this must not happen. That’s why it’s vital for schools (and there should be no exemption for faith schools!), youth organisations to get the issue of homophobia discussed. Giving children a better understanding of others is the best way to counter prejudice and bigotry.

Adrian T

There is nothing wrong with teaching children about respect for gay people, but teaching them it as being normal, and in place of heterosexual relationships is unthinkable. Respect and teaching it as being normal are two very different things, and above all, teaching these things to children of such a young age is frankly disgusting, something like this needs to be taught when they are older, just before or in the first years of secondary school.

Graeme

Children should be allowed to be children. Why not give the parents the right to say what there children should learn about in school and not minorities in committees telling them?

Frank

This is an interesting idea, but teaching 4 year olds about gay relationships as 'normal' is ridiculous. Why not wait until they are asking the questions? Also, there is no such thing as gay marriage... if we're going to talk about gay relationships, can we use the correct words and call it a civil partnership?

Liz

The parents that feel that the subject of homosexuality is inappropriate in the context of a primary school have obviously not spend time in their child's playground.

I am a teaching assistant in a primary school and have heard children as young as six use the word gay as a term of abuse... Why is it OK for sexism and homophobia to be rife at school but not a positive portrayal of same sex marriage and parenthood?

I use to explain to children, who used the word gay as a derogatory term, that this in itself is offensive to many people.

Last year, after such an incident, I was called into the head teacher's office because a parent had complained.

People seem to forget that any school, more than likely, will have gay members of staff, pupils with gay parents as well as children who will grow up with a homosexual sexuality.

What example are we setting them, allowing homophobia on the one hand but being up in arms at allowing it as a subject of sensitive discussion and stories?

Patricia Bakker

No, they shouldn't! It's confusing enough for children and some children may be so confused that they don't realise they're supposed to be marrying someone of the opposite sex! We could have a lot of straight but confused kids!

Bee

I think gay should be explained and taught to young children - the bullying I received when I came out was awful

Vincent

This isn't about teaching kids to be gay (I had an entirely heterosexual education and it didn't turn me straight!) - this is about showing them that people are different in some ways, similar in others, but that we should respect each other irrespective of difference, and be kind to one another.

Kids are going to grow up and realise that they are gay, or that one of their friends or family members are - they need to realise that this is OK, and it's not wrong or abnormal.

Kate Jones

I don't have a problem with the way people choose to live their lives but I do think its inappropriate to teach things like that to any child under the age of 10. I work with children aged between 3 months and 5 years and I would not teach those things to them, there are to young to understand those kind of emotions and it would cause confusion.

Jade

What about Christian children within the schools? Do they have to be told conflicting messages?

Hart

Bullying is a horrible experience. Anyone who has been bullied knows this. Gay people exist, and in today's UK they are acknowledged as a valued part of the community. By incorporating homosexuality into education, it's not going to turn kids gay, as some worry it will. On the contrary it will begin the process of thinking about all relationships on an equal footing.

Tom

BRILLIANT IDEA! This is SUCH a perfect way to rule out homophobia in our society. If children are made aware of homosexual couples at the same time and in the same ways as they learn about heterosexuality, they are FAR less likely to bully, be bullied or get themselves and others into trouble later in life. Genius. Equality.

J. Dodd

I'm at year two teacher I don't see any reason for teaching children about gay relationships at this age when they don't even know the meaning of the word 'gay.' Primary school children have enough to cope with without introducing things that don't affect their own personal life. PSHE in secondary school is early enough.

Judith Fox

I think it's essential that children are taught about homosexuality in the school. I do wish when I was at school someone would have discussed this topic. It's so important that children grown up feeling that Gay, Lesbian and transgender people are part of society and their lives.

Rick

I think that this is an extremely stupid idea because your practically encouraging kids to be gay - this is just simply too far.

Chris

It is absolutely disgusting that impressionable young children are being taught about homosexuality! Islam, Christianity and Judaism all forbid homosexuality. From a non-religious perspective, it is still unnatural and highly offensive! It is an abomination to society! If I had children I would make sure that they did not take part in ANY lessons concerning homosexuality!

Liyah

I don't have a problem with homosexuals but I think teaching children as young as 4 about this issue will confuse them too much.

Anon

I think there should be more teaching of gay same sex relationships in school. Children need to learn a lot about different ways of life. Denying the fact of being gay, because of what others think, shouldn't be happening. All kids should learn about it all.

Channell

How refreshing! Of course kids should be educated about lesbian and gay parents, teachers and classmates. They talk about homosexuality anyway, so why not give them some accurate non-homophobic information?

Mark Ovenden

I think it is important that all people in society are represented when it comes to teaching in schools and that children do not feel they are 'abnormal' because of their sexuality/sexuality their parents. Homophobic bullying is incredibly distressing for a child whether they do or do not grow up to be gay and is something that can remain with them for life. Refusing to talk about gay issues in schools and making the subject 'taboo' almost gives bullies a licence to continue tormenting their victims. Educating children is the key, and homophobia should be treated as seriously as racism in schools.

JP

Being gay or lesbian! is wrong and sick, it should not be taught at schools!

Bina

Teaching kids as young as four is taking political correctness too far. I am most surprised we are even discussing this... I hope this law or bill will not see the light of day. What is this country turning into???

O. Marinho

Well, personally I don't agree - I think they should do it around 2ndary school 'cos they are older and understand better.

Ross

Surely teaching children about the different types of families and sexualities there are is no different to teaching them about different religions? Parents should be happy that tolerance to other human beings is being done in school as part of a child's education.

Craig Mason

What the women said about how "a normal family has a mum, dad children" etc is wrong my family is not ab-normal just because my dad left when i was young. Nowadays a "normal" family has one parent. A family doesn't have to be conventional its about love, care and protection not if you are "normal" nothing in this world is normal.

Also it's about time that they are teaching about homosexuality most teachers try to edge around it and students mock it. In my opinion they should go for it because theoretically it should decrease bullying.

Zoe Coombs

Anything that can be done to "normalise" lesbian and gay relationships at an early age will have huge advantages for those children who experience their puberty by realising that they are gay. This is the priority, but there are other advantages for children (increasing in numbers) who have parents of the same sex who will have positive role models for their alternative families and less or no applied or direct criticism of their circumstances.

Simon

It is disgusting that gay teachers are forcing this issue on children in the classroom. Homosexuallity is not a natural act, in fact quite the opposite and should remain behind closed doors. These teachings in the classroom have over stepped the mark. Why are the minority in this country allowed to dictate law? This government should be chucked out for not only having no morals but for ruining a once proud nation.

Pat

This subject has no place in school for children below eleven. I feel so strongly about this I have had to send this comment, the first time I have ever done so.

R. Powell

It is a blooming blessing that legislation is being created that prevents children from being brainwashed into believing that the only valid sexuality and family unit is a heterosexual one. This type of legislation is long overdue. At last children whose families who are not the typical heterosexual families are being recognised and reflected in the school institution and educational curriculum.

Zia Musaphia

Absolutely ridiculous! I cringed to see two boys acting a gay love scene. Let them find out for themselves. Zero tolerance on Gay bullying but gender and sexuality issues should be left to occur naturally not taught!!!! I makes me want to leave London to see this indoctrination of our youth.

Christopher Bracewell

Children go to school to learn. Not just to learn about specific subjects it's also where we all learn social skills. In order for these skills to be relevant and transferable to the wider world all cross sections of society need to be covered.

Racism and bigotry is often a result of poor education along with parental views being imposed on their children. My parents had an issue with black people, they weren't necessarily racist but they didn't go to school with black children as I did. As a result I have no prejudice based on skin colour, and I'm sure the same will extend to those taught about same sex relationships at a young age.

James Sanders

I think it's outrageous to try to teach kids about homosexuality,to me and my family it's wrong and unacceptable. How can I let the school teach them that it's normal, when it's clearly not.

Belaslouni Cherif

I'm 13 years old and I think it's wrong to teach kids of 4 years old about gays etc It will really confuse these kids. Maybe teaching kids in senior school because that's when they are going to understand it better. I do believe we should respect everybody around us.

Victoria

I feel so upset - the problem with gay people is they want every one to be as well. Now they want to target children to become gay. The school is not the right place.

Lisa

I think it is absolutely wrong to teach young children on a subject matter that shouldn't even be thought about at such a young age. The church does not condone this lifestyle and teaches them so - do we really want to confuse them?

Mark

I have just began watching Inside Out, and was absolutely horrified to learn that they want to put homosexuality in the curriculum, I think it is outrageous, I have two children in primary school and would be horrified if they came home telling me they were learning about it. They are defacing our traditional fairy tales and replacing them with gay and lesbian story lines.

We don't need it rammed down our children's throats, what they do behind closed doors should be kept there. I would certainly object if my children come home with work regarding this, it is absolutely outrageous. I would certainly not support gay education. I don't say I am against homosexuality but I don't my it taught to my children as part of their day to day lessons.

Mrs S

Any teaching that tackles any forms of prejudice and discrimination against anyone can only be to everybody's benefit. Hatred poisons everybody it touches and that includes the person who hates. Homophobia is a poison in our society just like racism and needs to be talked about and kept on the agenda.

Bullying happens when issues go underground and people are not sure how to respond. Teaching children how to recognise homophobia and what is expected of them when they witness or experience it will make it much more difficult for bullying to take place. Less bullying can only be a good thing for all children.

Janet Pearce

It's getting ridiculous. I have had Gay neighbours and they were lovely. I do not have any problem with them but the fact that it's being imposed on our kids is not pleasant. I personally do not want my child growing up and thinking I can either be with a woman or a man. If someone claims to be born with Gay tendencies, let them practice it but do not make it look like a choice. That's where I have a problem

Henry Simpson

Stop this now - the age of consent for gays should have stayed at 21! Gays are a minority in this country so why should the children be pushed into knowing about them. Protect the children from this minority! The people that are pushing this are gays. Children should be protected from unnatural behaviour. 'Normal' behaviour is having parents of different sex, without this normal relationship then there would be no people left on the planet! Thank God for heterosexuals!

Diane Maskell

Parental education seems the deal breaker here. We have key members of a generation of parents perhaps reacting from their own lack of awareness and acceptance of ethnic and sexual diversity. A direct result of their own absolute exposure to binary images as young children. It is no longer appropriate for exclusively 'white' fairytales to be taught in isolation, so, it seems to me that this is then next step in this development.

Children as young as four are already exposed to fantastic images of heterosexual love and relationships through fairytales. Why not level this playing field? Are we not after all an enlightened society...? Maybe one day these children will teach their parents something.

Mackenzie

I think the whole idea is disgusting. If anyone tried to teach my nursery age daughter about this I would take her out of the lesson, if not the school. I am an educated male of 35 and I would completely oppose this stupid idea as I am sure would most sensible adults. Children should not be taught things like this at such a young age. This is just making children grow up quicker, let children be children and do not subject them to this at nursery age, it's too much. And for the record, both myself and my wife have many gay and lesbian friends and I believe they are just as shocked as we are about this.

Richard

Children in schools do use the word gay as an insult and I believe it is the schools duty to inform them about the real meaning of the word as one which describes two people who love each other but happen to be of the same sex, therefore the use of it as an insult is as offensive as one which refers to someone's colour or religion.

Jane Gatehouse

Same sex relationships are naturally wrong. I speak as a gynaecologist. Yes, it happens, but that is not to say it is normal. I do not think it right to condone or promote this. People should obviously be treated with understanding and care, but to introduce it as a normality in law is wrong.

If a man has a Y chromosome, he is a man, rarely you can have a YY situation but this is rare. I think that post natal nurturing influences determine most of the homosexual leanings. The basic fact is that it IS NOT NORMAL and should not be treated as such in schools, as it simply encourages it.

David May

I do not want my children at junior school (secondary school ok) being actively educated on the subject of gays lesbians etc as a standard curriculum, where there are children with same sex parents in the class then provided my consent is asked then and only then the subject should be aired if the head teacher deems there would be benefit for all the children/students.

Neil Cubitt

I believe that children should be taught about gay/lesbian relationships as it is important for people to become more accepted by normal people. Just not at the age of 4, but later on as it is an issue that needs addressing as it makes people feel even worse about themselves.

Stephen

It's difficult to grasp any concept of suppressing a reality which is acutely relevant to children, and homosexuality certainly is. I was delighted to see how some schools have opened up to this key issue and would encourage more schools to pick up on this. Children need all the support they can get, no matter what their particular circumstances are, and other children, who are not affected, need to understand and respect those who are.

Dann Jessen

I think that children of primary age are too young to learn about Gay & Lesbian relationships, as they could become confused and maybe drawn into trying it out, even if they are not gay themselves. This could later on in life lead them to feel bad about themselves. At an older age I think they have already decided on what sex they are drawn towards and therefore teaching them about different couples would not affect them in an adverse way, but instead teach them not to alienate people who are gay.

Maria Warth

I have experienced homophobia recently at... School. and I am a parent of 4 children hidden from the 3 eldest until 5 years ago and struggling with my 7 year old who thinks two lesbians are wrong!?

Please educate the children and parents to make everyone especially me feel accepted and a respectable person living in this cruel, barbaric judgmental society! I welcome this debate which I honestly believe is giving me hope for the first time! It feels lovely to relax even breath publicly again! Thank you with hope.

Marie

I am not homophobic but am totally against gay literature in primary schools and do not believe for one moment believe it should be taught to children so young just to appease a minority

Fiona Roche

Different family set ups including lesbian and gay families should be taught in schools. What is normal? There is no such thing. I am a single parent lesbian mother of two adult sons, it is a pernicious insult to imply in any way that we are odd. Teaching difference assists children to respect others and to feel free to express themself.

The problem here is that many people cannot get past the sex issue. Teaching difference, including different family set ups does not mean teaching children to be gay. My children are not gay and incidentally they are not vegetarian either, although I am. They are however well rounded individuals, who express their own views and respect difference. That's normal in our family.

Margaret

Children should be taught about same sex couples, transgender and heterosexual couples. I think that we obsess unnecessarily on the minute detail, and not look at the fact that we are talking about two people in a relationship, that happen to be of the same sex. We should look at the Scandinavian countries in how to approach this. It is normal, inclusive and done without hype.

I am heterosexual and have lots of gay friends. I can't begin to imagine how much more traumatic my teenage years would have been if I had been gay as well. Lets give our young a break and give them choices to be inclusive of everyone.

Charlotte Wilson

Totally against gays and their disgusting, anti procreational ways being forced on our children. They make their own choices, they should keep their alternative lifestyle to themselves.

Brad

I believe it's an awesome idea.

Carlos Miguel Albuquerque

I do not think it a good idea that gay and lesbianism should be taught in schools at such early age as this could lead to confusion for the kids. Apart from that, the teaching ON gayism could introduce kids to get involve as kids will want to find out for themselves about this issues by getting involve with it. I am ashamed of parents or persons who consent for this issue to be discussed or talked about on the TV.

Tenny

I think children should be more aware of the world around them. We teach them about different cultures and faiths, why not different sexuailties?... I would have found it so much easier to come out if it was like that when I was at school and that was 5 years ago. GO LONDON TEACHERS.

Henry

I think it is immoral for children to be taught about gay and lesbians in our school especially when the standard of education is already falling. Someone that is gay should not force others especially children to know about what they do in private or not. School should be used to teach children of what will benefit them in future and I do not see how knowing about gay and lesbians will help them with that.

I think I need to convert to a Moslem and send my children to Islamic school instead of them being taught rubbish in state schools.

Jim Jackson

Gay fairytales - a must as well as fairytales about single parent families, disabled families, children that are raised by siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, the list is endless. We must all learn to function in various circumstances and accept and love each other without prejudice, the earlier the better. I have 2 children ages 14 and 9 and am very proud that they agree with my views.

Donna

I do not agree that children of primary school age should have any kind of this education. The information can be planted in their minds before they are old enough to understand the facts, and make their own decision. It feels like the pc brigade sweeping across again.

There is no doubt that we need acceptance of differences, but children growing up in same sex households must be such a tiny minority, that there can be no such justification for including this in the curriculum of those under 11 years. Is education about "traditional" relationships promoted in such a way.

Sarah and Dominc Wozniak

I am a life member of the National Assocition of Head Teachers. I have always been out and gay. I thought you programme this evening was magnificent.

John Green

As a bisexual girl Ii think it's a great idea. The only way to stop homophobia the youth need to be taught that it's not bad or wrong. Yes, there are going to those who don't want there kids to learn about it but in that case we must teach the parents the same thing that we are teaching the children. Homophobia is the same as racism everybody wants equal rights for people of different backgrounds so why not the same for people of different sexualities.

Charlotte

It is not right for young children to be subjected with these ideas. How did the child get there in the 1st place, it was male and female, not, male-male or female-female. Children are not innocent for long enough why corrupt them now. If it becomes law, I will quite happily break the law and take my child out of the said establishment if they were informing them of this un natural world, I would even choose to go to prison to protect my children.

Chris

What ever happened to freedom of speech? What happened to Britain being a Christian country? As a Christian, I was brought up to believe that homosexuality was wrong. Now, as a parent, I am considered to be narrow minded, or in need of education, and why, because I will not waiver from my Christian morals? All that is drilled into us these days is " the human rights of the minorities", What about my rights as a Heterosexual Christian man? Why am I the one being ridiculed for my beliefs.

If you want to be gay, go for it... whatever makes you happy, but why should I be in the wrong just because I don't want my children growing up believing that homosexuality is right. All I am saying is fair is fair. I wouldn't want my children learning about sex before their time anyway, straight or gay. Just as homosexual people have the right to live their lives the way they want, why can't we, people who believe it's wrong live the way we believe? I find society is so afraid to speak their mind in fear of offending the minorities?

I don't make a song and dance about being heterosexual, so why do we have to have homosexuality shoved in our faces every day. Just get on with it? There are more important things to worry about, I am sure you will agree.! Also, could you advise me what my rights are with regards to informing my children's nursery/school that I do not want them to learn about homosexuality!

Sheldon

It is great to see that children are being taught to challenge homophobia. As one of the commentators said this cannot be done unless children learn about the lives and experiences of lesbian and gay people. It is essential that our schools are safe for all children to learn and flourish, promoting inclusion and respect for everyone is essential to achieve this.

Helen

Outrageous & unacceptable, too much influence from the gay teachers

J. Barnett

No,no,no, how many countries teach this? If people are this inclined let them find out for themselves, don't encourage an unnatural bonding

Steve Mac

I am a teacher and I consider myself a very open person who is always willing to listen to my pupils' needs. I have always agreed that knowledge is power but this is absolutely ludicrous. It's not enough that we have such a problem with teenage pregnancies and promiscuity we are now teaching them about same sex relationships. There is a time and a place, parenting should play the main role. Not everything should be left to teachers!

One thing's right maybe it will reduce teenage pregnancies. Bullying will always be a problem not just because you are homosexual but because you might speak with a lisp. Maybe we should make it compulsory for people to have speech impediments too.

JS

This was a great piece. Having suffered several years of homophobic bullying at school, I can only say how fervently I hope that the shrill and ill-informed 'nuclear family' brigade don't hold sway on this one. Yes, it is rare, which is all the more reason why gay kids or kids of gay parents should be protected; their rarity risks isolation, which magnifies the power of the bullying...

We have a long way to go before being gay is acceptable, and we need to start now with education, so that experiences like mine aren't repeated.

Mark

Why are so many of the arguments against having gay literature in schools centred around the sexual side of those relationships?. All children need know is that sometimes men love women, sometimes men love men and sometimes women love women. These are all types of loving relationships and all are equally valid. The issue of sex should not come into it. Children's literature doesn't talk about what mummy and daddy did in bed last night and neither would we expect it to - why then should the portrayal of gay, lesbian and transgendered relationships be any different?

S. Hall & A Davidson

Children don't know about sex and they don't need to know till high school, at puberty. Is there really such a demand? What is the real purpose behind all this? Where will it lead? Where will it end? Just look at the facts - degrading morals, no respect for each other views and anti-social behaviour - single parents, teen pregnancies, crime - all on the rise!

It's not part of my belief and we weren't taught about "being gay" when I was in school, and I am not homophobic. I can accept it as part of our society. I just know there is no need to TEACH children about sex at all, especially at 4!!! Minority examples are given to argue the case - get rid of the anti social climate completely from the media, whether against a particular faith, race or belief!

School is for education, to increase our children's knowledge, maths, science, English. When they grasp these concepts and pass their GCSEs, they will be well informed enough to make their own choice. Why are we making apparent to them something they have no ability at this tender age to understand? THIS IS CHILD ABUSE IN THE NAME OF EDUCATION - AND MUST BE STOPPED!

Anon

I do not think that it is morally or socially right that children be taught about Homosexuality in the class room, but indeed it is a matter to be discussed between both the parent(s) and the children. It is at best a very sensitive issue and by teaching this in the classroom you are giving the huge responsibility over the teachers whereby this has nothing to do with them directly.

Their job is to teach not to be psychologists. Further more, has anyone thought of the damage that this may do to the children, but also what about those who come from a religious background?...

 There is a thin line between teaching, coaching and preparing and the road and direction that this has taken has meant that the topics that parents would prefer to discuss at home with their children in their own time is being and has been taken out of their hands, their control. Where is the line drawn in all of this? I am not comfortable with Homosexuality being taught to children without the entire ramifications being looked at closely.

To be honest, I disagree with this. It's not about being narrow minded, but about principles and certainly not over riding parents. At this juncture I would like to request further information and feedback.

S. Nangle

I think it's a great idea. As a teacher, kids should be taught the different people that make up the wonderful UK.

Craig

Gay people do have children - why shouldn't all families be represented in schools? I have read some of these books - they have no sexual content at all so what is all the fuss about? I think that this type of literature will teach the next generation to be more open-minded and tolerant - what can be wrong with that?

Heidi

I am a very normal person and work on the principal "live and let live" but I have very strong views on children as young as four, being taught about homosexuality. If the school that my child goes to adopts this teaching I will stop sending my child to school as this goes against my faith. I feel so strong about this subject and will go to prison rather than expose my child to this sort of teaching.

If parents want to have their children taught about homosexual relationships then can I suggest that it should be done out of school time. I wonder how many would be interested then! This should be treated the same way as religious education!

Alan Carr

I think that's great that the education system is teaching kids about all kinds of family life. BUT I think we need to focus on kids of all ages, learning to be tolerant first and to stop this need to prove themselves through acts of violence and damaging property. Try and educate them about this first then different types of lifestyles and life choices. Just being kind to one another and accepting tolerance rather than just one subject focused.

Nisha

I understand where they are coming from with this idea,I am a parents and do not agree with my child being taught about same sex education. It is against everything that I believe in my culture and my religion. School is a place to learn the basics of life practical stuff, there is no need for relationship education because it comes naturally and do not need to be taught at school.

If it does come compulsory I might even consider transferring my child overseas for education COs all I want is for my child to be taught things that does not come naturally to him/her. Children should be taught how to respect other people and that would make a lot of difference and change in our community.

Anya

Sadly I have lived through this battle once already leading to the intro of Section 28. Such hurt & loss was caused by that battle do we have to go there again. Why is teaching about diversity so frightening. Some of us are Black, Jewish &/or gay. Homophobia like racism kills! Frightened parents need to stop confusing difference with sex. Being Lesbian or gay is about a lifestyle & identity it is not about sexual practice... that's in the mind of the beholder!

Kath Gillespie Sells

This is gayism through the back door using bullying, they are trying to plant the seed into the child mind. Better they teach discrimination which includes everything. As a parent whose is faith based this will this is an attack on the normal family Father, Mother & Child.

Most ethnic minorities parent do not accept gayism so they are now targetting our kids, how disgraceful!! If my son's school is teaching this I would move him from the school. If they want to talk about bullying use the word discrimination rather than bullying and gayism. Gay and lesbians have hijacked the civil rights to include gayism as it a choice to be gay while being black you are born that way, they are not.

Andrew Reid

I think this is a great idea as it will teach children tolerance from a very young age. I go to a Catholic school and recently came out. Ii haven't had much homophobic comments but I have never heard any of the teachers mention gay issues in class.

Anon

I think this is a great idea but we should be teaching them about love and relationship across the board.

Sarah Foster

I think children should not be encouraged to be gay because I believe it's morally wrong! Children need to reproduce the next generation.

Amzyy

I think it is wrong to teach such young children about homosexuality - surely it's more likely to encourage children to practice homosexuality, children dont even start understanding sexuality or even asking questions until they are 8 or 9. I think children should be taught these kind of things when they are 8, and even then told it is OK to be homosexual or bisexual but not engage in teaching children in depth about homosexuality and certainly not before the age of 8, if schools are going to start these teachings in story time I am pulling my child out of that lesson,

I'm not homophobic, I just think teaching children about homosexuality from the age of 4 or 5 is wrong, please don't start teaching this until children are 8 years old.

Tracey

Young children accept what they are told, and so this will confuse their impressionable minds, and thinking that being gay is the norm - as is so far from the truth that male & female relationships are the only fruitful kind as the bearers of more little Children.

Mark Smith

The classroom is absolutely the place to address homophobia and the younger the better. It is a very basic and fundamental issue of equality. People keep talking about wanting to build a society which is more accepting and integrated - how will we achieve that without teaching our children? It is important for those children of gay or lesbian parents but it is also hugely important for all children to be taught about it. This is the only way we can address the casual and rampant homophobia in society which starts in childhood and the schooling system.

It would be ludicrous to think that making children aware of other cultures around them and teaching them that people who are different from them deserve respect would somehow lead to a breakdown of family values - that is pure homophobia based on ignorance and fear. It would be unthinkable to apply this debate to teaching children about other ethnic cultures, how is this different?! I can honestly see no argument!

Elia

We are opposed to the sexual education proposed in your film.
We will spare you details, you will have heard them before.

CC and TJ de Chazal

Surely we can see from sex education what that has done to our children who are becoming more promiscuous by the day. We only need to see the figures of teenage pregnancies to see the damage done. It is the same with Gay education, children at this age do not need this.

There maybe a case for later years in the senior schools. Let's not teach our children to experiment in subjects that they don’t really understand and should be protected from. Let the schools teach what they are supposed to be teaching and get on with a normal life. I have nothing against Gay people but those who have such tendencies will soon enough know and there are facilities already available to guide people.

Barry

My wife and I are TOTALLY against any new law that forces schools to promote gay/lesbian education in primary schools

Gary Kibblewhite

Should four year olds taught about homosexuality? Simple answer - no.

Magic Mart

I totally agree that gay and lesbian parents need to be recognised in the curriculum, especially for teenagers who are establishing their own sexuality. But I think that if we start to believe that we can create this utopian world where everyone accepts one another then we are deluding ourselves.

I was in a lesbian relationship when my children where growing up and i lived in a tough area, not an accepting nurturing neighbourhood where difference was accepted. I really believe that gay and lesbian parents need to tread very carefully where their children are concerned so that it doesn't become the case that our children are fighting OUR battles.

In the real world, no amount of books will stop children from being unkind, all that we can hope is that children will challenge the homophobia of their parents. Just remember that children in tough neighbourhoods have a hard enough time as it is, maybe the books should be accompanied by a full time counsellor in schools!!

Julie

Accurate and balanced gay education is the only way to prevent the horrors of homophobia and should start as early as possible. Unfortunately, very few parents are capable of delivering this education as they never received it themselves.

Paul Jones

I am actually a student of one of the schools included in the show and I completely support what my school is doing. Unless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender topics aren't discussed along with 'Straight topics', people will never have the courage to come out, and everyone has the right to an open life without secrets.

LGBT needs to be mixed in with what people consider normal so that newer generations can grow up in a society with diversity, this will mean that in the future, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people can lead a perfectly normal life. As a child myself, I personally think that parents who don't agree with this really need to try and understand this issue, if they don't try, what I am saying is nothing but plain words.

Anon

I was really happy to see the report today about the positive images of lesbian and gay people and families in schools. Great work at the schools and a great report by the BBC.

Roseaana

Children go to school to get an education not to be corrupted - it will harm there innocent minds, thats a choice a parent will have to make. I teach my children the bibilical way of family and this will mean me home schooling my children England is turning into an anti Christ nation

Angela

SRE should defintely include same sex relationships. I recently conducted a focus group with young gay men - few had any form of proactive same sex SRE - most importantly they didn't want to necessarily know learn about the sex bit in schools, but more about how to deal with gay/lesbian relationships.

Kevin

Same sex parenting should definitely not be promoted to children of a young age. I don't want to explain to my five year old son about it yet and I don't want to be forced into it by the Government. If it is going to be talked about then do it in senior schools when children are mature enough to cope with all this information.

By the way, how many same sex couples are bringing up children in this country? I think it would be a tiny minority. Please let our children stay children as long as they can.

Caroline

Primary schools should teach the children how to read and write before the start introducing them to homosexual teaching. This new agenda seems to be being pushed by the gay community for their own ends and the self justification is hypocritical. I would guess that the end results will be the opposite of that they are trying to achieve.

MJ Furness

I am a gay primary school teacher working in London. I think teaching homosexuality is imperative if we are to challenge stereotypes that some people have on gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals. Stereotypes are caused by misunderstanding. To envoke positivity and banish prejudice of all lifestyles, children should see them respected equally from a young age.

Kevin

I am a gay man in a civil partnership and we have two children. I welcome the idea that books that have gay characters in them are available to children. Before people say 'THIS IS WRONG' try reading one of these books. They are not trying to promote homosexuality or brainwash children they are simply showing one way of life.

If you are against the idea, try replacing your complaint about 'GAY' books with the word 'BLACK' or 'DISABLED' and then as yourself is it just discrimination? My straight friends with kids have borrowed books I have as a way of talking to their children about us as kids as young as 4 do notice that there is something different. They read it, talk, it's all OK and they move onto something more interesting.

Richie

I believe that older primary school children should be taught about homosexuality so that they realise that being homosexual is not bad and illegal, nor is it something to be ashamed of. They just need to be taught very carefully.

David Mundee