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Relationships Education: LGBT Content
18 March 2024
Lead MP
Elliot Colburn
Responding Minister
Damian Hinds
Tags
Women & EqualitiesStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 15165
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about relationships education: lgbt content in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Colburn urged the Government to focus on improving the quality of RSE content, providing schools with necessary resources and training for teachers, ensuring a whole-school approach to tackle issues like bullying, and maintaining parental oversight as outlined in current guidelines. He requested that the review should not erase LGBT+ people from existence but instead address why teachers lack confidence in delivering such material.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Elliot Colburn expressed concern about the potential removal of LGBT content from relationships education, citing his personal experience of coming out during secondary school before such inclusive teaching was common. He highlighted that the current framework for RSE in England requires age-appropriate and developmental curricula, with key messages including anti-discrimination and respect for all identities. However, Colburn noted that only 20% of teachers reported feeling extremely confident in delivering inclusive RSE, while almost half felt not confident at all. He also mentioned that more than 38% of young people report their RSE failed to provide adequate information on sexual orientation, with nearly 44% reporting inadequate coverage of gender identity and trans issues.
Adam Holloway
Con
South Islip
Mr Holloway discussed a sensitive issue regarding the teaching of LGBT content in primary schools, focusing on transgender ideology. He cited an incident in his constituency where parents were upset by proposed curriculum changes and emphasised that there is no consensus on transgender theory. He argued for careful handling of such topics due to their complexity and potential emotional impact on young children. Cites an example of a primary school using a book that included a picture of a grandfather wearing a gimp suit, implying inappropriate content.
Andrea Jenkyns
Con
Wakefield
I report a constituent's experience where her child was taken out of school due to the school not showing materials on LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula, emphasizing the need for transparency and parental rights. Expressed concerns about teaching sex or gender change issues at the primary school level, emphasizing the need to protect childhood innocence. Eighteen months ago, while in the DFE, I raised concerns over constituents not being able to see actual materials but only summaries. Civil servants reassured that all schools would be emailed to ensure parents can request access to materials if needed. Can the Minister confirm whether this has been implemented since?
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
I left school when homosexuality was decriminalised and there was no LGBT inclusive education, leading me to not come out until after university. I visited a local school's safe-space hour for LGBTQ+ students and found it moving. I am concerned about the backlash against inclusive education similar to section 28, which pathologises and demonises trans people. Transgender identity is innate, not an ideology. Schools need to provide safe spaces for all young people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd. The hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington brought the debate forward on behalf of the Petitions Committee. Primary schools have been required since September 2020 to teach relationships education and can opt to include age-appropriate sex education. Secondary schools must provide relationships and sex education. Schools should consult parents when developing their policies, which must be published online for free access by parents. Labour supports inclusive and respectful teaching of LGBT issues within the curriculum.
Birmingham Yardley
I caution against conflating an organisation's entire production with what is used in schools. While organisations might produce various materials, the evidence should focus on what teachers are doing and children are reporting, which is generally positive. Supported the second petition and addressed concerns from the first petition. Emphasised that age-appropriate education is necessary, highlighting examples of appropriate books for different age groups. Advocated for a balanced approach in teaching gender neutrality to young children without being blind to differences. Questions Sarah Champion's analogy, inquiring if he wants no teaching of relationships whatsoever or only straight relationships.
Woodford Green and Theydon Bois
I express that there is significant evidence of this material being out there and shared with schools. I plan to set out all the evidence in my speech later, noting that some of it can be abhorrent. Mr Fletcher is concerned that schools are teaching children that gender identity can be fluid, which he believes contradicts scientific truth. He cites examples of organisations and materials promoting the idea that trans women are women and trans men are men, arguing this undermines single-sex sports and spaces. Mr Fletcher also highlights evidence of increased referrals to gender clinics among confused youth, attributing it to ideological influence rather than genuine dysphoria. The Department has written to schools, but there is evidence that they are ignoring the guidance. He suggested writing to the producers of literature to clarify their responsibilities.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Sheffield Central
I thank the hon. Member for introducing the debate and sharing his experience, noting that some 512 of my constituents signed a petition supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula. I highlight significant academic research showing higher levels of safety, lower bullying rates, and reduced adverse mental health reporting where such curricula are implemented.
Peter Gibson
Lab
Darlington
Mr Gibson welcomed the debate and discussed his own experience growing up gay, emphasising the importance of age-appropriate education on relationships and sex. He stressed the need for respect, tolerance, and understanding in teaching young people about LGBT issues to combat ignorance and intolerance leading to hate crimes. Asked for clarity on whether a school could terminate its contract with a provider if the provider refuses permission to share information with parents.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Emphasised the importance of relationship education for child safety, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusivity to ensure all children are protected and respected. She highlighted the need to acknowledge different family structures in primary school lessons and provided a detailed argument against exclusionary practices that could lead to vulnerability among LGBTQ+ youth. Asks why teachers are trusted with teaching basic arithmetic but not in matters regarding LGBT inclusive education. Thanked the Minister for his speech and work in this area, but expressed frustration that all schools were supposed to have necessary training by September 2021. Concerns remain about teachers not being fully equipped, potentially leading them to rely on personal experiences instead of official guidance.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
I address myths circulating in my constituency about what is taught in schools regarding LGBTQ+ content. I stress the importance of basing discussions on facts and highlight how parents can access information online, such as through the Welsh Government's curriculum. Mr Doughty suggested that additional safeguards could be implemented, similar to those in Wales where the curriculum ensures materials are 'developmentally appropriate' for young people. He highlighted the need to consider age, knowledge, maturity, additional learning needs, and physiological and emotional development to ensure materials are provided at the right stage. The hon. Member highlighted the importance of addressing hate crime in schools, citing a study by Just Like Us that found 91% of LGBT+ young people had heard negative language about being LGBT+, with twice as many reporting bullying. Clarifies whether Ben Bradshaw supports removing LGB content or just the T from LGBT education.
Government Response
Damian Hinds
Government Response
It is a great pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Dowd—in my case, for the first time—and a pleasure to be here for this well-attended debate in Westminster Hall. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Elliot Colburn) for opening the petition debate on whether lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender content should be included in relationships education in primary schools. The subjects are sensitive, but we have had a passionate yet respectful debate informed by constituency experiences and colleagues' personal experiences. We brought in the relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) statutory guidance from September 2020 to support all pupils to lead happy, safe, and healthy lives while respecting difference in others. High-quality, evidence-based RSHE can help prepare pupils for adult life and promote their development. In primary schools, age-appropriate relationships education involves supporting children to learn about mutual respect, trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, generosity, and keeping safe both online and offline. It provides the basis for secondary school teaching on sex, sexual health, and sexuality within the context of relationships. We need to strike a balance, ensuring that primary schools have discretion over discussing same-sex relationships or families with same-sex parents without covering sex education. The RSHE statutory guidance is clear that it is for schools to decide when to cover LGBT-related content in their pupils' education at an appropriate age. There are questions around training and materials; however, we cannot just say more training would solve all issues. We trust teachers to deliver LGBT content in a suitable and age-appropriate way respecting the beliefs and values of all pupils. Schools should have positive relationships with local faith communities for balanced debates on contentious issues. Parents must be consulted about RSHE policies and informed about what their children will learn in advance, ensuring transparency for parents' confidence in the system. The Government is working through recommendations from an independent expert panel to review the guidance and expects to publish revised statutory guidance for public consultation at the earliest opportunity. We have provided £3 million over three years to fund anti-bullying organisations targeting LGBT youth bullying, supporting nearly 80,000 young people with their teachers and schools. The safety and wellbeing of children will always be our primary concern as we review and improve the RSHE curriculum.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.