from Parenting & Family
October 30, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times reported on October 28, 2007 on the battle between Catholics and conservatives and the Spanish government for its new civic lessons for children.
The "Education to Citizenship" curriculum is mandatory for children and teaches them that homosexuality is no different than heterosexuality. According to Alejandro Tiana, Secretary-General of the Education Ministry, "The education system should teach the importance of fighting discrimination and avoiding homophobia."
Catholics disagree. Sister Maria Rosa de la Cierva, a nun who serves as liaison to the Education Ministry, says: "This is a frontal assault on the Catholic religion. This is an authentic scholastic war ... and part of a clear persecution, little by little, of the Catholic faith."
The curriculum includes lessons on "moral pluralism," teaching that there are different kinds of morality. To adhere to one particular moral view is inherently intolerant.
"If you can't tell good from bad, the you can't be a good citizen," said Benigno Blanco, head of the Spanish Family Forum. He says the new curriculum "makes a moral code of what the government of the moment wants."
Opponents of the curriculum have gathered more than 20,000 signatures to submit to the government. They want their children to be free to declare themselves "conscientious objectors" and to boycott the classes. Parents are prepared to file lawsuits if necessary to protect their children from pro-homosexual teachings and moral relativism.