Government consults over plans for mandatory LGBT-inclusive sex ed in schools

The UK government is launching a consultation on plans to make LGBT-inclusive sex and relationship education mandatory in schools.

A law passed earlier this year to make sex and relationship education a statutory requirement in all schools, after pressure on the issue from sexual health and children’s campaign groups.

The law itself does not require sex ed to be LGBT-inclusive, but the government is currently developing new guidance for SRE that may include direction on LGBT issues.

Today, Education Secretary Justine Greening announced that there will be an eight-week call for evidence, inviting views on the content of sex and relationships education.

The consultation will look at “invite views on age-appropriate content” on LGBT issues, as as well as on mental wellbeing and staying safe online.

Education Secretary Justine Greening announced the consultation by highlighting the need for updated SRE guidance.

She said: “It is unacceptable that Relationships and Sex Education guidance has not been updated for almost 20 years especially given the online risks, such as sexting and cyber bullying, our children and young people face.

“Young people must have an education that teaches them the importance of healthy and stable relationships.”