LGBT rights activists who published a directory of LGBT-friendly schools in Poland condemned on Friday a plan by a parliament-appointed official to inspect the establishments on the list, saying it could have a damaging effect on young people. Coordinator of the LGBTQplusME project Dominik Kuc announced a so-called Legal Shield for schools affected by inspections was prepared.
LGBT rights are a deeply divisive issue in the predominantly Catholic country, and the ruling nationalist Law and Justice party has maintained its opposition to what it calls "LGBT ideology" in the run up to elections this year.
The LGBTQplusME project, coordinated by activist Dominik Kuc, published an online ranking of schools in Poland on May 10 based on how "LGBTQ-friendly" they were, according to the results of a survey.
It includes a list of the top 10 most friendly schools, part of a project, it said, to help people find "safe, open and tolerant" places to study.
A day later, the parliament-appointed Children's Rights Ombudsman, Mikolaj Pawlak, told a conference organised by conservative Catholic organisations under the patronage of the education ministry that he would launch inspections to see "how this friendliness manifests itself".
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children's Rights on Friday told TVN24 reporter Małgorzata Miecarek it "for long has been carrying out routine inspections in educational establishments as well as in organizations and institutions whose duties involve contact with children".
Kuc told reporters that the schools on the list helped the psychological wellbeing of all children and that the proposed inspections could have damaging consequences.
"In the current situation schools are intimidated by the Children's Rights Ombudsman," Kuc said.
"The Ombudsman for Children's Rights is actually taking children hostage in this political war, they will feel the effects of the announcement of these inspections."
The activist presented a so-called Legal Shield, a document meant to support schools in case of inspections. "We are sending this Legal Shield to all establishments affected by the inspections, so that they could use it," Kuc said.
He added the Legal Shield was based on legal acts and the constitution.
Religious conservatives have regularly argued that teaching about LGBT issues in schools is dangerous as it seeks to sexualise children, a position which is rejected by activists and NGOs.
Opposition lawmaker Marta Golbik also condemned the planned inspections.
"If he (Pawlak) is going to inspect friendly schools, maybe he will start inspecting friendly hospitals, playgrounds that are friendly for children," she said.
"Today, young people stand up against the Children's Rights Ombudsman, against the person who was supposed be their biggest friend," Golbik added.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, TVN24, Reuters
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: TVN24