gender identity, “a controversial theory”should not be taught in schools, the British Conservative government announced on Thursday, which He also wants to ban sex education for students under nine.
These government proposals, announced a few months before the general election, which must take place before the end of January 2025, represent the first major review in five years of sex education in schools.
“Schools should not teach the concept of gender identity,” the government wrote in a statement, speaking of a “controversial theory.”
“There are many controversial views on this issue of gender identity, of gender ideology,” Education Minister Gillian Keegan said on Sky News television.
Starting in high school, however, There will be courses on sexual orientation, during which gender change can be discussed.
But “it is important that schools take a careful approach to teaching this sensitive topic and do not use material that presents controversial opinions as facts,” the government insisted.
Furthermore, sexual education “will not be taught” before the age of 9, and then must be focused “from a purely scientific point of view,” the executive indicated.
The British Conservative government wants to “ensure that children do not learn things that are too complex or sensitive to understand in primary school,” the Ministry of Education explained.
“Parents trust that when they send their children to school they will be safe and will not be exposed to disturbing content that is not appropriate for their age”said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, quoted in the statement.
Concern in the educational community
Education professionals shared their concerns following these government announcements.
“We have not seen clear evidence that schools are currently exposing students to inappropriate content,” responded Elizabeth West, principal of a group of 17 schools.
“These rigid limits” on sex education could lead children “to seek information from less reliable sources,” said Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of School Principals union.
Source: Ambito
