Arizona’s new Chief of Education Kathy Hoffman called for a repeal of any law that prohibits schools from teaching homosexuality in a positive manner. Hoffman spoke out against legislation on what’s often referred to as “no promo homo” laws on Feb. 4, which prevent educators from portraying “homosexuality ‘as a positive alternative lifestyle,’” according to Tucson.com.
Repealing these laws in Arizona will increase inclusivity for people in the state’s LGBTQ+ community. Arizona schools will be able to thoroughly educate K-12 students about the potential of a non-heterosexual lifestyle, diminishing any negative stigma surrounding the topic.
Repealing “no promo homo” laws in Arizona may encourage other states to abolish their own discriminatory laws. Seven states in America currently abide by these homophobic laws including Alabama, South Carolina and Texas. In March of 2017, Utah amended their laws to be more inclusive and educational but none of the other states have successfully done the same, according to Human Rights Watch.
It is unsafe to provide children with a negatively slanted education because it will leave queer students with unanswered questions about their sexuality. Currently, the Arizona law prohibits schools from teaching students “that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex,” according to Tucson.com.
Additionally, “no promo homo” laws may cause other students to direct intolerance toward people living non-heterosexual lifestyles. Neglecting to objectively educate children in the LGBTQ+ community may create an “unsafe school environment” by reinforcing the stigma that homosexuals are abnormal and immoral, according to Tucson.com.
President of Advocates for Youth Debra Hauser believes that these current laws should be repealed because they might unconsciously promote homophobia to students.
“[A ‘no promo homo’ law] completely says to young people, ‘It’s OK to bully and discriminate, because the state says it’s OK,’” Hauser said, according to NBC News.
Repealing such laws will open a network of support in schools that is currently nonexistent. Queer students in Arizona most likely do not have access to support groups or guidance from faculty members, which is especially important for youth in the midst of discovering their sexuality. Allowing positive discussion of homosexuality in schools will help students get the support they need.
“No promo homo” law advocates might argue that schools must respect the beliefs of all students and families, including those with certain religious beliefs.
“Parents … should have the power to decide when, if and how their kids are introduced to controversial sexual topics,” education analyst at Focus on the Family Candi Cushman said, according to NBC News.
While it is true that everyone’s beliefs warrant respect, it is a public school’s duty to fully educate students so they can be tolerant of all lifestyles and make safe decisions. Parents can teach their children their beliefs at home but should not be the only source of education on complicated topics.
Arizona’s call to repeal its “no promo homo” laws is an important step toward inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community in America. It will likely encourage the few remaining states to abolish their discriminatory laws as well, an action that should’ve taken place a long time ago.