Opportunity for positive sex education

Guidance* updated on 26 June on the government’s Relationships and Sex Education curriculum states that faith perspectives can be taught in all schools.

In the section titled ‘Religion and belief, including teaching in schools with a religious character’ the guidance says: ‘All schools may teach about faith perspectives. In particular, schools with a religious character may teach the distinctive faith perspective on relationships, and balanced debate may take place about issues that are seen as contentious. For example, the school may wish to reflect on faith teachings about certain topics as well as how their faith institutions may support people in matters of relationships and sex.

‘In all schools, teaching should reflect the law, including the Equality Act 2010, as it applies to relationships, so that young people clearly understand what the law allows and does not allow, and the wider legal implications of decisions they may make.’