Compulsory sex and relationship education is a step closer

Marie Stopes International is pleased that the Children Schools and Families Bill has passed the Report Stage in the House of Commons. We welcome the fact that Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) will be made statutory for the first time, with parental opt out lowered from the age of 19 to 15.

We have campaigned for years to ensure all young people have access to accurate, age appropriate information about their sexual health and are equipped to make informed decisions about whether or not to have a sexual relationship and how to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

We are however extremely disappointed that the Secretary of State added a last minute amendment to the Bill to allow faith schools to teach SRE in a way that ‘reflects the school’s religious character’. This, we believe, will give the green light for biased and unbalanced messages about contraception and sexual relationships. The amendment is completely unnecessary, since the provision of factual and medically correct information about sex and relationships is compatible with religious and philosophical convictions.

Young people are bombarded with information about sex via the internet, television, billboards or their friends. This information is often unregulated. It may be sensationalist, misleading, or incorrect. Although all schools, including faith schools, will have teaching guidelines in place, we are concerned that with this amendment in place, faith schools are likely to perpetuate a culture of mixed messages. So, although this is a step in the right direction it is also missed opportunity to address SRE openly and honestly.

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Advocacy & campaigning; Young people

24/02/2010

Compulsory sex and relationship education is a step closer

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