Dr Bader Al-Essa

KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa stressed that no studies had been made during his tenure in relation to behavioral phenomena in boys and girls' schools. Essa also denied any intention to dismiss or expel homosexual students or those with sexual disorders from educational facilities.

The minister explained that should the students in this case be expelled, "they would return by the power of law." The minister pointed out to a number of 'individual cases' related to sexual orientation in educational facilities, arguing that similar cases can also be seen in various other state departments. "We need a legislation in order to limit this phenomena," he underlined, denying reports of taking any measures against such cases in schools, universities or colleges. "Some cases found in schools are handled discreetly by social and psychiatric workers in various educational areas where parents are sometimes called to meetings even at afternoon periods," Essa concluded. -- Al-Rai