A Nationals senator has sensationally spoken out in favour of schools linked to ultra conservative Catholic group Opus Dei, despite a pending inquiry.
The NSW Education Standards Authority is investigating concerns about the curriculum at the schools following a report by the ABC’s Four Corners on Monday.
The report explored what it described as “disturbing practices” such as students being taught that masturbation and homosexuality were disordered, and that watching pornography caused holes in the brain.
Queensland senator Matt Canavan took to Twitter on Tuesday to “thank” the ABC program for the “wonderful promotion of a Catholic education”.
“I will choose a school that promotes chastity and prudence – over one that promotes gender transition and puberty blockers – every day of the week,” he added.
It comes as the Greens called for federal and state governments to withdraw funding from the four Sydney schools which received more than $20m in 2021.
Federal spokesperson Penny Allman-Payne said the government should not foot the bill for schools that “indoctrinate” students into “antiquated and harmful ideology”.
“To use public funds to promote bigotry and self-harm is beyond the pale,” she said.
“Instead of continuing to fund insular, out-of-touch institutions, the NSW and federal governments should show some backbone and strip these schools of funding.”
Education Minister Jason Clare said the allegations were “serious” and welcomed the decision of the NESA to investigate.