In a new statement, the government have also banned the teaching of sex education before Year 5
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY PEXELS
The UK government has released new guidance today (16 May) which bans the teaching of sex education and gender identity for students under nine.
In the government statement about this new guidance, it specifically said that “the contested theory of gender identity will not be taught”.
“At secondary school, pupils will learn about legally ‘protected’ characteristics, such as sexual orientation and gender reassignment,” the statement continued. “But the updated guidance is clear that schools should not teach about the concept of gender identity.”
It continued: “In light of the Cass Review, it is important that schools take a cautious approach to teaching about this sensitive topic, and do not use any materials that present contested views as fact, including the view that gender is a spectrum.”
In response to this new guidance, some have referred to these statements as a “new Section 28”, likening them to Thatcher’s legislation which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in classrooms in England and Wales from 1988 until 2003.
Labour MP, Nadia Whittome, told PinkNews: “The Tories’ claims about what children are learning are designed to fuel hysteria and build support for Section 28 style policies – which is what this latest guidance seems to be harking back to.”
On X, others are calling this new guidance an “attack on trans kids”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the choice to ban sex education for students under nine was made to not expose pupils “disturbing content that is inappropriate for their age”.
These new proposals made by the government reportedly come after “multiple reports of disturbing materials being used in Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) lessons”. The guidance now states that parents will have the right to see the resources that are being used to teach their children about relationships, health and sex in all circumstances.
Sunday Times bestselling author and screenwriter Juno Dawson replied to the new guidance in a recent Instagram post. In the caption she wrote: “Babe, wake up! Section 28’s back!”
She went on to say that this proposal was a “desperate bid by the Tories to grasp onto power”.
“For one thing, a distressed young person doesn’t give two shits about legislation,” she continued. “Queers gon queer. Unless they turn the internet off I think all young people are well aware that trans people are part of our community. But teachers on the other hand will fear for their jobs if they lend an ear. I promise this anxiety won’t stop at gender identity. The result? A new generation of young people feel like outsiders at their own schools.”
Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, also commented on the new guidance saying: “We are deeply concerned by some of the proposed restrictions outlined in the draft RSHE guidance published today, which could have a detrimental effect on the mental health and safety of pupils.
“Just Like Us’ independent research shows that LGBTQIA inclusive education is linked to lowered suicidal thoughts in young people, including non-LGBTQIA pupils, so it’s vital that schools remain inclusive and welcoming of all diversity.”
After The Cass Review released earlier this year, Amnesty International UK and Liberty released a statement warning about how guidance and reports can be “weaponised” against the trans+ community. “It’s concerning that sections of the media and many politicians continue to spread moral panic with no regard for the possible consequences for trans people and their families,” their statement continued.
“Scapegoating trans people is harmful and dangerous. The Government should protect everyone’s human rights rather than exploit the diverse experiences of trans people to score points.”
In a time where we are still seeing generations recovering from the effects of living under Section 28, it feels particularly distressing to see history repeating itself.
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