Welsh compulsory sex education plans face legal challenge

The High Court has given a group opposed to plans to make relationship and sexuality education (RSE) compulsory the right to challenge it in the courts.

The Welsh government is making the changes in its new curriculum.

Public Child Protection Wales say parents will be “disenfranchised” from their right to remove children from sex education classes.

The Welsh government said pupils will learn topics that are age appropriate.

Wales’ new curriculum is set to be launched in primary schools in September this year, and in secondary schools in 2023.

As part of the plans parents will be unable to remove children from RSE classes.

The Welsh relationship and sexuality education code says that “over time, learners can explore how relationships, sex, gender, romantic and sexual attraction and personal experiences may shape and inform a person’s identity and individuality”.

It says: “Learners need to be supported to recognise and value different types of relationships, including families and friendships, as well as the diversity within different types of relationships, including LGBTQ+ diversity, and that these can change over time.”

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