From The Newsroom Team In a stunning reversal, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has suspended the sexuality education programme (CSE) run by the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) in some schools, saying it does not conform to the MOE’s guidelines. (read news report here) MOE found some suggested responses in the guide ‘too explicit and inappropriate, and convey messages which could promote homosexuality or suggest approval of pre-marital sex’. Aware’s CSE was implemented in 11 schools between 2006 and 2007 with prior sanction by MOE. A few days earlier, MOE had issued a public statement that it did not receive a single complaint from parents about the programme. It appears that MOE has capitulated to the demands of some faith-based groups to review the programme which was used as a smokescreen to justify the ill-fated takeover of Aware by the previous exco, six of are whom members of the Church of Our Savior (COOS). The CSE was adapted from an international NGO on women health and input was sought from various religions in Singapore before it was approved by MOE. A week ago, segments from its confidential “manual for instructors” were deliberately quoted out of context and leaked to the public on Aware’s official website. An online petition was started by an unknown Madam Khoo to MOE to review the CSE which subsequently drew over 6,000 signatories in less than a week. It is not known if Madam Khoo is a member of COOS. Emails have been circulating around urging “concerned” parents to sign the petition. Neither MOE or Aware were given the opportunity to explain the intricacies of the programme in greater detail. The knee-jerk reaction from MOE is both laughable and lamentable. The short span of time they took to reach a decision to suspend the CSE makes one wonder if they are simply reacting to intense pressure exerted on them. MOE should first examine the source of these complaints before deciding on the next course of action. Are these parents from the same religion or group? Have they been cajoled by others to sign the petition or submit their feedback? A forum can be organized to meet up with these parents first and listen to their concerns to allow grievances to be aired. Surveys can be done amongst Singaporeans from different races and religions to solicit their views on the CSE. The number of complaints received by MOE may not be reflective of the exact figures as a person can easily forge 10 different names to send 10 emails or more to give the impression that there are many Singaporeans who are opposed to the CSE. By reacting to the demands of anonymous individuals, MOE has tarnished its reputation badly and may set a precedent to embolden a vocal minority to hijack a national issue in order to conform to their own religious values.