MPs to debate sex and relationship education

The petition, which has more than 104,000 signatures, states: “We believe it is the parent’s fundamental right to teach their child RSE topics or to at least decide who teaches them and when and how they are taught. We want the right to opt our children out of RSE when it becomes mandatory in Sept 2020.”

The petitioner adds: “We have grave concerns about the physical, psychological and spiritual implications of teaching children about certain sexual and relational concepts proposed in RSE and believe that they have no place within a mandatory school curriculum.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “As primary educators, parents must be consulted on their school’s curriculum for Relationships, and Relationships and Sex Education and may request their child’s withdrawal from Sex Education.

“Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive opportunities, but also challenges and risks. Pupils need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.”

Monday’s debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to question a Government Minister directly on this topic.

Petition details

• Give parents the right to opt their child out of Relationship and Sex Education – view on petition map
• Read the House of Commons library briefing:

https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN06103

Follow the debate:

• Watch the debate live online: https://parliamentlive.tv/Commons
• Read the debate transcript: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-02-25/
• Journalists wishing to attend the debate in person are free to do so. More instructions on visiting Parliament are available online: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/watch-committees-and-debates/westminster-hall-debates/
• Follow the Committee on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hocpetitions

Where in the country was this petition signed?

• The top 10 parliamentary constituencies that supported the petition are as follows (as at 20 February 2018)