Schools barred from showing gay film

A film about children with same-sex parents has been barred from public schools throughout Australia's most populous state, at least during school hours.

The documentary makers on Thursday insisted students would benefit from viewing Gayby Baby, which chronicles four children growing up with gay parents. It was due to be shown in high schools in New South Wales as part of the student-led Wear it Purple initiative on Friday, which promotes diversity and inclusiveness.

After front-page coverage in the Sydney Daily Telegraph this week, however, state Education Minister Andrew Piccoli pulled the plug.