Although there are supporters of the ban, it clearly discriminates against homosexual, many of whom are capable and knowledgeable. And if they want to play a meaningful role shaping the youth of our society, they should not be barred from doing so because of their sexual preferences. No one would argue with an effort to put in place a screeningprocess that ensures that the right kind of people are trained to become teachers. Persons with mental problems or who are prone to violent physical behaviour must be weeded out of the system. But to assume that only teachers can influence the future behaviour of children is erroneous.
Teachers can and do play a crucial role.
Dr Jom Chumchuay of the Child Psyciatric Hospital hit the nail right on the head by saying that families and parents, on the whole, play a major role in inflencing a person's behaviour with the most important period being between the ages ofthree and six. The Education Minister should revise this policy. He does not need to make an unequivocal reversal but can fudge it as most politicians do. We don't mind because we are all quite used to it.