Henri Bontenbal (CDA) has apologized for his statements about homosexuality in reformed schools. But behind those excuses, the political choice remains: Article 23 of the Constitution, the freedom of education, is more important to him than the protection of students against discrimination. And therein lies the problem.
Result Statement: ‘Refrain from fundamental rights’
Bee News hour Bontenbal literally said that religious schools ‘may proclaim a vision that he himself does not share’ (read: homophobia) and that students who do not recognize themselves in it (read: homosexual children) ‘can always go to another school’. In doing so, he does not place the responsibility on the school, but on the child. Religious schools are fully funded with public money. In return, they are allowed to express their own philosophical beliefs, even if they are at odds with equal treatment. Research shows that students who feel excluded are more likely to suffer from mental problems and drop out of school. Bontenbal can rely on the wrong words, but this is not about language but about rights, safety and dignity.
Apologies do not solve problems regarding this.
Arthur Wiggers