Sex education to be LGBT inclusive in Wales

Currently, sex education is a statutory part of the basic curriculum throughout Wales, however it is down to the schools to decide their approach and some don't stretch beyond biological aspects of human relationships.

But the new part of the curriculum, which will come into place in 2022, is aimed to give all children a broader understanding of sexuality that is fully inclusive of LGBTQI+ learners and includes wider issues such as consent, domestic abuse and respecting diversity.

The new part of the curriculum was announced by education secretary and Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams, and comes 30 years after the introduction of section 30 which banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

She said: "The days of traditional sex education are long gone, the world has moved on and our curriculum must move with it.

“Sex should never be taught in isolation for the simple reason that it is about so much more than just sex, it’s also about relationships, rights and respect and that must go hand in hand with a much broader understanding of sexuality. Anything less does a disservice to our learners and teachers.

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“By creating Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) as a statutory area of study in our new curriculum for Wales, we will support our young people to develop healthy relationships, maintain good mental health and keep physically and sexually safe.

“Of course, 30 years on from the introduction of Section 28, we will also ensure that RSE is fully inclusive of all genders and sexualities and meets the needs of LGBTQI+ learners."

To kick start the process, the education secretary has announced £200,000 will be made available so schools can begin the process of identifying professional learning needs, and a further £50,000 has been awarded to Welsh Women’s Aid to develop resources and training for schools.

Ms Williams added: “Thirty years ago Margaret Thatcher denounced local education authorities for teaching children that 'they have an inalienable right to be gay'. I want all our learners to know that they have an inalienable right to be happy - this is the driving force behind the changes we’re proposing.”

The news was welcomed by charity Stonewall Cymru, which campaigns for sexual equality in Wales.

Director Andrew White, who was part of the expert panel who put forward the changes said: "It’s great news, particularly as this week is the anniversary of the introduction of section 28 and our research shows that a majority of LGBT young people here in Wales have heard nothing about LGBT issues in the classroom.

“The legacy of section 28 unfortunately still lives on and this change will go some way to readdressing the balance.”