KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Aids Council (MAC) has rejected the introduction of guidelines to help parents and teachers identify so-called gay and lesbian symptoms in school children.

In a statement here today, MAC president Datuk Dr Raj Karim said, singling out people based on their sexuality was the very foundation of discrimination.

"We know, all too well, the negative impact such practice has on the lives of sexual minorities, especially those living on the fringes of society.

"It will drive them further underground and force them to live in greater fear of being 'identified'," she added.

She cautioned, the unfounded guidelines would only breed intolerance among schoolchildren, and those exhibiting the perceived 'symptoms', would be subjected to discrimination, ridicule and bullying by their peers.

"We must not allow such stigmatising condition to permeate our education system and it's our responsibility to ensure all children are given opportunities for positive personal development and growth and protection against harm," said Dr Raj.

The guidelines were recently published by the Teachers Foundation of Malaysia and the Putrajaya Consultive Council of Parents and Teachers Associations.