Muslim League leader criticises educational reforms, Claims they will promote "masturbation and homosexuality"

Senior Indian Union Muslim League leader and former legislator Abdurahiman Randathani educational reforms like mixed seating and gender-neutral uniforms in schools will promote "masturbation and homosexuality" among students.

He was speaking at an event in Kannur.

"Girls have made great strides in higher education but none of it was made by sitting together (with boys). Seating teenage boys and girls together are supposed to lead to great reforms in the education sector. And then when you hear what is being taught – masturbation and homosexuality – then what would be the fate of our culture," said the IUML leader.

After the remarks spurred controversy, he justified them by saying he is not against reforms in the education sector but they should not be reformed to gender-neutral uniforms and mixed seating. "Students cannot be compelled to wear jeans or trousers under the guise of gender-neutral uniforms." He also claimed that changing school timing will affect madrassa education.

Various Muslim outfits have spoken up against the reforms suggested by an expert panel. IUML said the proposed policy will create "gender confusion" among children and the general public.

IUML MLA N Samsudheen said in the assembly that education policy aims to bring in gender equality and rational thought. "That cannot be allowed at state expense. It will lead to the negation of religion. Therefore, it has to be removed from the policy. We do not need gender equality but need equal opportunities. The gender-neutral views will lead to sexual anarchy and that cannot be permitted in education," he added.

The Kerala government has put them on hold and Education Minister V Sivankutty on Monday told the Assembly that the government has not yet taken any decision regarding any of the reforms.