Unofficial Austrian Diplomacy: The Taliban Meeting and Controversial Sex Education

Unofficial Austrian Diplomacy: The Taliban Meeting and Controversial Sex Education

Unsanctioned Diplomacy: Meeting with the Taliban

Andreas Mölzer, a former European Parliament member and a leading figure for the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ), met with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, in Afghanistan as confirmed by Bernhard Tomaschitz, a colleague of Mölzer’s. The FPÖ, however, clarified that they were unaware of Mölzer’s trip until media inquisitions arose, characterizing it as a “purely private matter.”

The meeting was conducted to discuss the possibility of improving consulate services for Afghan citizens in Vienna, among other topics. Nevertheless, the Austrian Foreign Ministry had advised against the trip due to the standing travel warning for Afghanistan. The ministry further clarified that Mölzer does not officially represent Austria and emphasized that the Austrian government does not recognize the Taliban government.

Presence of Other Austrian Figures

Also present at the meeting was Johannes Hübner, a former National Council member and former FPÖ Federal Councillor, who currently presides over the FPÖ Academy in Vienna. Speculations suggest that one reason for the FPÖ members’ visit could be the abduction of right-wing extremist author, Herbert F., who was apprehended in Afghanistan in mid-June 2023. The Taliban have accused him of espionage.

Afghan Media and the Taliban

Tolo News, an Afghan news channel, shared the news of the meeting. Despite a previous incident where their studio was stormed and several employees were briefly detained following a critical report, the Taliban have allowed the channel to continue broadcasting since their takeover.

Controversy Surrounding Austrian Sex Education

Meanwhile, back in Austria, controversy is brewing over the content of sex education classes in schools. The classes reportedly teach sexual practices that most adults have never heard of, leading to questions about their compatibility with child welfare. This has prompted the MFG party to submit an important proposal to the Upper Austrian state parliament, which has now been approved for discussion.

The proposal aims to immediately halt content that endangers the well-being of children in sex education. It calls for detailed discussion with expert participation and has received majority approval from the ÖVP, the FPÖ, and the SPO. The Greens and NEOS, however, have expressed their disagreement with the proposal.

Details of the Controversial Content

Some of the controversial elements include discussions of oral sex, rainbow toilets, and sexual practices during menstruation being introduced to children as young as six years old. The “Rainbow Kiss”, a form of oral sex that takes place during menstruation, has particularly been singled out as inappropriate for the age group. Parents and experts have expressed concerns over this content, pointing out that it could potentially confuse and overwhelm children at a young age.

MFG’s Stance and the State Parliament’s Response

MFG Austria supports the Child Welfare Association, which has appealed to all parties and ministries for urgent action. MFG Austria also presented an initiative proposal in the Upper Austrian State Parliament, calling for an immediate ban on sex education materials that endanger the well-being of children. With the votes of the ÖVP, FPÖ, and SPO, the proposal has achieved the necessary majority to be discussed again at the next committee meeting.

However, the Greens and NEOS have declined to commit to protecting child welfare, with the Greens describing the issue as “unimportant” and the NEOS suggesting that the current discussion is merely “conservative fluff.”