RESOLVED that the following motion be agreed:
LGBT+ inclusive Relationship & Sex Education
This Council welcomes the introduction of statutory Relationships
Education
and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), which all primary and secondary
schools in England respectively will be required to teach from September
2020.
Recently we have seen a small but growing minority of vocal individuals who
have begun lobbying primary schools, spreading misinformation and in some
cases leading protests outside schools, trying to stop LGBT+ inclusive RSE.
People of all faiths and none, are LGBT and it is vital that all children receive
comprehensive and inclusive ‘relationships and sex’ education, regardless of
their parents’ beliefs. The last guidance on relationships and sex education
was written over 20 years ago, and we need to ensure that we bring this
guidance up to date and that all children are receiving the education they
need to understand their identity, navigate the world, and form healthy and
respectful relationships.
The 2017 Labour Manifesto confirmed the party’s commitment to “age-
appropriate inclusive RSE”. The term ‘age appropriate’ should be taken to
mean the age at which children and young people are introduced to different
aspects of relationships, including sex (but not exclusively), and should not
indicate that same sex relationships should be taught at a different age to
heterosexual relationships.
This Council notes that ridding this country of the scourge of Section 28
(which gagged Schools and Local Authorities from acknowledging the LGBT+
community and their needs in compulsory education) was a significant win for
LGBT Equality, and we must play no part in rowing back the tides of progress
that have been made since then.
This Council also believes that parents’ rights and religious freedoms should
be respected but balanced against children’s independent, legally protected
rights and the need to eliminate discrimination. We believe schools should be
supported to proactively communicate with parents and carers about the
nature and importance of RSE and the detrimental effects that withdrawal
might have on their children.
This Council resolves to:
schools (including primary schools) which is LGBT+ inclusive and
promotes respect, acceptance and diversity.
just pass policy, but make the Government’s inclusive Relationship &
Sex Education a reality, through providing resource to ensure the
necessary training, resources, guidance and support for schools and
teachers in introducing and maintaining inclusive RSE.