Kookaburra’s life is no longer ‘gay’ after a Melbourne head teacher changed the words of the children’s song to stop his pupils getting the giggles.
The original kookaburra ditty includes the lyrics “Kookaburra, gay your life must be” but principal Garry Martin has switched this to “Kookaburra, fun your life must be”.
The teacher said that his decision was necessary as kids would get the giggles, or even roll around on the floor in fits of laughter, when they sang the word gay.
However, some parents of children at the school complained about his messing with the Kookaburra lyrics, claiming that removing the world gay was political correctness gone mad.
Gay rights groups have also stepped in, saying the Kookaburra furore is bringing unnecessary attention to the word and could undo years of efforts in trying to introduce “respect and diversity” into Australian schools.
Martin has since told the Nine Network he should have discussed the true meaning of the word gay with the children.
“In hindsight that is what I probably should have done, I just didn’t realise the implications,” he said.
“I wasn’t trying to incite or insult gay people, or trying to violate the copyright of Larrikin Music; it was just a decision at the time that I thought would minimise a disruptive atmosphere with grades one and two.”
What do you think? Will your Kookaburra always be gay?
