Children in Northern Ireland have moved a step closer to relationships and sexuality education (RSE) that gives them the facts, whichever school they attend. On Monday the Assembly backed proposals to make RSE consistent across all schools, to protect safeguarding lessons from parental withdrawal, and to gradually phase out wider opt-outs. Northern Ireland Humanists has welcomed the vote and called on Education Minister Paul Givan to act on it without delay. At present, what young people learn about consent, contraception, abortion, and healthy relationships depends heavily on which school they attend and that school’s ethos. Humanists believe every young person has the right to accurate, inclusive information so they can make their own informed choices, keep themselves safe, and treat others with respect. The Assembly’s vote is the clearest signal yet that MLAs agree. MLAs voted by 46 to 28 on Monday 2 November to endorse the Education Committee’s report following its mini-inquiry into RSE. Voting members of Sinn Féin, Alliance, the SDLP, and People Before Profit supported the motion, while those from the DUP, UUP, and TUV opposed it. The report, published in July, found that provision is inconsistent. It recommended stronger curriculum requirements, better teacher training, and inspection of RSE. It also called for greater involvement of parents and pupils, and more transparency about who teaches RSE and what materials they use. It also recommended that children should not be withdrawn from lessons directly concerned with protecting them from sexual abuse and exploitation. It also proposed phasing out
Excerpt via Humanists UK. Read the full article at the source →
