Accord has welcomed the acceptance by the government of a report calling for PSHE – including education about sex and relationships – to be made compulsory, while arguing that there should be no opt-out for parents or special arrangements for religious schools.
Responding to the report, Accord Chair Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain said:
“It is very good news for the health and happiness of young people that all schools will now be required to teach about responsible attitudes to sex and relationships.
It is crucial that issues such as abortion, contraception, homosexuality, and sex before and after marriage are covered openly and informatively at school.
However, it is regrettable that faith schools will be able to edit the way that such issues are taught and give value judgements on what should be objective matters, for example insisting that abortion is wrong or homosexuality is evil, rather than treating them factually).
Faith leaders certainly have a right to give their views, but this should be separate from the way sex education is taught and not at the same time.
Equally regrettable is the right of parental withdrawal, as it will stop children receiving impartial information that is vital to their general education.
The new recommendation is a welcome step in the right direction, but these opt-outs will weaken its effect and should be withdrawn”
Alex Kennedy is the Coalition Coordinator
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