Print Off, Sign and Return our Petition for Compulsory, LGBT-Inclusive PSHE in All Schools.
Guidance from the Department for Education advises all schools should teach Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) as part of a broader curriculum covering Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. They say schools shouldn’t just teach about the biological “mechanics” in sex education, but should teach a broader range of life skills promoting, amongst other things, tolerance of different gender identities and sexual orientations.
But as we point out in a recent submission to Labour’s Education and Children Policy Commission, far too many schools fail to live up to this ideal, leaving all too many young people in fear and ignorance.
No school is legally-required to teach PSHE, and academies, free schools and Independent schools aren’t required to teach any SRE at all. Indeed, young LGBT people report shockingly-high levels of homophobic bullying in schools, and there is even evidence many schools still have Section 28-like statements in their SRE policies which explicitly rule out “promoting” homosexuality.
We believe that all young people – whatever school they go to – have a human right not to be left in fear and ignorance. We need mandatory SRE and PSHE – which includes education on tolerance of different sexual and gender identities – in all schools. We also believe the Government guidance on SRE – drawn up in 2000, before even the repeal of Section 28 – needs updating. That’s why we’re asking you to do two things:
Print Off, Sign and Return our Petition for Compulsory, LGBT-Inclusive PSHE in All Schools.
The Coalition Government is never going to introduce these measures, but the Labour Party has proven more amenable in the past.
Ed Miliband has promised compulsory and updated SRE, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary Tristram Hunt has said it is a manifesto pledge, and the Shadow Equalities Secretary Gloria De Piero has written that this will apply to all publicly-funded schools.
But we need to go further: this should apply to all schools – even private schools; it should be part of a broader PSHE programme, yet PSHE is not even mentioned in Labour’s draft education manifesto; and this should be a crystal clear pledge in Labour’s 2015 General Election manifesto.
Progress has already been made. As we note on our blog, the Terrence Higgins Trust has started its own campaign for SRE in all schools, and the Education Select Committee has launched its own inquiry into PSHE and SRE in schools, which we have contributed to. Many Conservatives including Sarah Wollaston, Michael Fabricant and Norman Fowler have also come out in favour of PSHE – as have the Lib Dems.
As well as lobbying for SRE and PSHE within your own trade union or other organisations, we hope you will find the time to lobby your MP to support the ‘ Private Members’ Bill calling for mandatory PSHE.tabled by Green MP Caroline Lucas and sponsored by Labour and Liberal backbenchers. A big turn out of Labour Mps is essential so that a message can be sent to Ed Miliband in time for the drafting of the Labour Manifesto.
The bill today passed its first reading without a vote being forced and will therefore be given its second reading next month. Diana’s case was strengthened by Tory MP for Shipley ,Philip Davis, saying that he was offended by the idea of sex education in schools and that it should be left to the parents. Perhaps he had some bad experiences in school! Diana correctly pointed out that the government should not just ‘sit back and hope .that parents would talk o their children and that the intention was to reinforce good parenting and not replace it
It was also made clear in a statement from Diana’s Office to Pink News that her intention was that the national curriculum would address the problems faced by LGBT youngsters.
We obviously wholeheartedly endorse that but would still welcome it being specifically in the bill.
C.L. 21/10/14
The Private Members Bill on Mandatory SRE Inclusive PSHE will be presented to the Commons on 24th Oct. For details see blog on Private Members Bill
WE CALL FOR A MAXIMUM TURN OUT OF LABOUR MPS TO SUPPORT THIS MEASURE.
CL 23/10/14
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE______________________
As is so often the case with Private Members Bills this one ran out of time before the debate could take place.
THe second reading has been rescheduled to take place in February. As with Geraint Davies. Private Members Bill on effectively banning conversion therapy the chances of this bill becoming law are virtually non-existent despite the widespread support it has. If it IS debated it will get welcome publicity and the deliberations of the Education Sub-Committee Inquiry continue and Diana Johnsons Ten Minute Rule Bill is due for its second reading next month.
Thus despite the widespread suppoet in ALL parties it looks as though little progress will take place before the election
This of course makes it more rather than less important that we continue our campaign.
CL/24/10/14
Any SRE Inclusive PSHE Programme must be inclusive of lgbt rights and problems .Those such as domestic violence both between partners and of families against individuals can be all the worse because officialdom does not recognise them or know how to offer effective help. Thus LGBT people are reluctant to seek it.Thus the extent of the problem is underestimated.
Thursday 2oth November is Trans Memorial Day for our trans brothers and sisters who have been victims of hatred, discrimination and violence.
REMEMBER WORLD AIDS DAY. WE MUST TRY TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE ELSE DIES OF IGNORANCE. REMEMBER THE VICTIMS. EDUCATE AND SUPPORT
WE MUST KEEP CAMPAIGNING
Hull and East Riding Labour LGBT+ Network are supporting the Albert Kennedy Trust Christmas Appeal For Helping young homeless LGBT people.Contact details and more information can be found at
www.akt.org.uk
or contact @akt.org.uk
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Over the last twelve months numerous organisations have backed the campaign for mandatory PSHE in schools—including us.
Some of these are listed in the visual below
Why has the Labour Party and its Education spokesman, Tristram Hunt failed to do so. Support for this measure is overwhelming. Labour must commit to it in its manifesto