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| This undated photo shows people entering the Seoul Metropolitan Council, in Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Council has come under fire after it released a new education ordinance proposal stating sexual conduct guidelines for teachers and students. Newsis |
By Kim Se-jeong
The Seoul Metropolitan Council has come under fire after it released a new education ordinance proposal stating sexual conduct guidelines for teachers and students that critics say are outdated and ignore the constitutional rights of individuals.
The sexuality and bioethics ordinance proposed by the council states, "Sex can be only between a husband and wife." It also states, "Being male or female is a biological choice which cannot be changed," and teaches children and teenagers that sexual self-determination is exercised only by abstaining from sex.
The city council was collecting reviews from local teachers and the proposal was leaked to the local media by teachers who were outraged by the details
If adopted, according to the proposal, the city's education office will appoint an official tasked with policing teachers, investigating those found to have had sex out of wedlock and recommending punishment. There are still many lingering questions as to the role of the official.
The Seoul Teachers' Union issued a statement criticizing the city council.
"The proposal goes against Korea's Constitution and doesn't deserve a review. We insist the city discard the proposal immediately," according to the statement.
A city council official said it was merely considering the proposal and the reviews from the teachers were so far negative.
On Korean websites, reactions have been divided. Many condemned the city council for failing to be sensitive to basic human rights, while others said the ordinance would set a good example for the youth.
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