HOMOSEXUALITY ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED AS DAVID NORRIS VISITS MITCHELSTOWN
Senator David Norris was welcomed to CBS Secondary School, Mitchelstown this week for a presentation by students entitled ‘Smile if you’re Gay’.
Fifth year students at CBS Mitchelstown conducted a survey into their fellow students attitudes towards homosexuality. The results of the survey show that 25% of boys (aged 14 – 18) admitted to bullying in a homophobic manner, whereas only 6% of girls (of the same age group) also admit to bullying.
Senator Norris told The Avondhu, “I think that the work that the students have done here in Mitchelstown is very important. Bullying in any form is totally unacceptable. Studies have shown that the percentage of suicides with young men is very high, and bullying, I am convinced, plays an important part in this. I would like to congratulate the students here today for their excellent work and their bravery.”
Sentator Norris spoke to the 5th year class and their teachers about the problems faced by minority groups, homosexuality and the politics of fighting for and upholding human rights in Ireland. The project is part of the Young Social Innovators (YSI) competition and the 5th Year class at CBS Mitchelstown will be taking part in the final to be held at the RDS in Dublin in May.
One student told The Avondhu, “We are delighted to have Senator Norris visit our school, his talk was very interesting, he is very charismatic and a lot of fun. We want to raise awareness for people who are being bullied. We have had a very positive reaction to our survey from students and from members of the public. This week we have also launched Gay Awareness Week at our school.”
Published:
Thursday 12th March 5:28pm
