Mark Latham leads inquiry into controversial bill that could see school lessons discussing gender fluidity banned

Mark Latham is heading a NSW inquiry into a controversial bill that could see gender fluidity banned from being discussed during school lessons.

Mark Latham’s private members bill seeks to prohibit the “promotion of gender fluidity” in schools. Picture: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Mark Latham is leading an inquiry into a proposed NSW bill that could see school lessons discussing gender fluidity banned and allow parents to pull children out of classes they disagree with.

Mr Latham says the Education Amendment (Parental Rights) Bill would stop schools from providing instruction on “ideologically-based and political material” that is inconsistent with the wishes of parents.

The private members bill aims to ban the “promotion of gender fluidity” in schools, including through course and professional development of teachers.

Mr Latham said the bill used a definition of gender based on “biological science” rather than “social construction”.

Equality Australia has said the bill harms trans and gender diverse students by denying their existence, and preventing teachers and counsellors from supporting them.

But Mr Latham insists the rights of transgender students to access support in schools will not be affected by the bill.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation MLC Mark Latham is leading the inquiry. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The One Nation Senator said the formation of a child’s social, moral and ethical values must be the responsibility of their parents.

“This bill is about winding back the creep of gender fluidity ideologies into NSW schools and re-establishing the primacy of parents in shaping their children’s development and sense of identity,” the committee said in a statement on Sunday.

“This inquiry will provide a forum for evaluating the merits of the bill, and subjecting it to detailed examination informed by expert evidence.”

The committee will hold public hearings in the coming months, and individuals can also complete an online questionnaire.