Newsroom
A classroom discussion about adoption by same-sex couples has sparked controversy in Cyprus after an audio recording of an argument between a teacher and a student was leaked on social media. The recording captures a heated exchange in which the student questions whether children should be raised by two fathers, prompting the teacher to accuse him of reflecting the prejudice present in Cypriot society.
During the lesson, the student argues that children need both a mother and a father, expressing concern about the potential impact on a child raised by two men. “Why should we make the poor baby unhappy by having two fathers adopt it? It will be unhappy for the rest of its life, you have my word on that, miss,” he can be heard saying.
The teacher challenges the student's position by asking whether he is a psychologist or psychiatrist. He replies that he is neither, but suggests that a child raised by two fathers could face difficult questions from classmates, including being asked where their mother is.
In response, the teacher refers to research conducted by psychologists and psychiatrists, arguing that children raised by same-sex couples grow up to be “very healthy individuals”. The student remains unconvinced, insisting that a child needs both a male and a female parental role model.
The disagreement then escalates, with the teacher raising her voice and referring to situations in which a child might grow up with an alcoholic or abusive father. “If the father is a drunk and... tell me, is that better?” she says, arguing that a child would be better off in a stable family environment than with an unsuitable parent.
The student maintains that adoption by same-sex couples does not provide what he considers a normal family environment. The teacher responds by accusing him of representing the prejudice she believes exists in Cypriot society.
“You are an example of the racism of Cypriot society. You are the reason society in Cyprus is the way it is,” she tells him.
The recording has since circulated on social media, drawing attention to the confrontation and the way the disagreement over same-sex adoption unfolded inside the classroom.
