The electronic student registration form with the designations “parent 1” and “parent 2” became the reason for the return of the political discussion concerning the institution of the family.

The innovation caused massive protests from parents, as the same system will be used in June to register students for the first grade of gymnasiums and lyceums.

It is noteworthy that a similar incident already took place at the beginning of the school year, when the terms “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” were also used in students’ medical forms. Then the forms were corrected only after numerous protests.

The ELAM party raised this issue in the parliamentary committee on Education, demanding an explanation from those responsible. They stated that their goal is to protect “traditional values” and prevent similar “shameful” cases in the future. According to the deputies, these terms contradict the principles of Hellenism, Orthodoxy and family values.

The National Popular Front (ELAM) stated: “Is the Ministry of Education really aware of the importance of the institution of the family in Cypriot society? Did they ask the parents if they agreed to be called “parent 1” and “parent 2″? Such actions are unacceptable, and we condemn them.”

Chrysanthos Savvidis from DIKO also noted the danger of destroying the institution of the family.

DISI’s statements actually support ELAM’s rhetoric. In particular, MP Michalis Ioannidis gave very evasive answers when asked about support for same-sex marriage and adoption permits for same-sex families. DISI officially proclaims European values, but is ready to change its principles in order to retain the electorate.

“Today, ELAM is dictating the political agenda in Cyprus. They set the rhythm, and the rest follow their rhetoric, hoping to score political points, ignoring the damage done to society and democracy,” writes journalist Marina Oikonomidou.

In addition to gender changes, the new system also revealed other controversial issues. In particular, the Greek Cypriots were designated as a “religious minority” (later corrected to “nationality”), and there was also the possibility of exemption from religious lessons, which caused protests from the Church and the teaching community.

According to available information, the situation required the intervention of the Archbishop of Cyprus, who called on the Minister of Education to make the necessary changes. The Minister assured that the requirements will be met.

A source: kathimerini.com.cy

https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/elam-diktuet-politicheskuyu-povestku-dnya