In Pfäffikon, 30 minutes from Zurich, around 250 people marched against homophobia and intolerance on Saturday. The reason: in one of the city’s four primary schools, a homosexual teacher was fired following complaints from Christian fundamentalist parents, shocked by the content of sex education lessons, notably the mention of masturbation.
“I am here today to take a stand against homophobia and to show that there are also people here in Pfäffikon who are taking a stand against homophobia,” says a demonstrator. “I’m here because I’m fed up with these intolerant people, these people who put pressure on our society. We’ve evolved, we’re no longer in the Middle Ages!” protested another participant.
It all starts during a mandatory sex education class. Parents of students, religious and conservative, complain about supposed instructions to masturbate at home. Baseless allegations, according to school management. The targeted professor is also openly homosexual, which amplifies the controversy.
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The management’s about-face, a “mistake”
Management first defends its employee before turning around and pushing them out. Under pressure, the school this week conceded that it was a mistake.
“Irregularities were committed during the termination of this teacher’s employment contract and we deeply regret this. But the reasons for the separation are much more complex than what is reported in the media”, however, nuance Matthias Weckemann, head of training at the Pfäffikon school, without giving further explanations.
The school still says it condemns homophobia and attempts at pressure from parents. Convictions too meager and late for the demonstrators.
The former colleagues of the dismissed teacher also expressed their incomprehension and solidarity. Management has planned a discussion in 10 days to try to restore damaged trust.
TV topic: Michael Maccabez
Web adaptation: Julien Furrer
