Britons Against Sex Classes for Children

By IslamOnline.net & Newspapers
CAIRO — With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world's largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.
"We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used," campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed "Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds" to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe’ rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable."

The government has unveiled plans to offer sex classes for pupils as part of efforts to protect children from early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

During the classes, children will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

Children, between the age of eight and 11, will also be taught about the biological aspects of sex.

They will also be taught to talk about peer pressure and their feelings.

A signature campaign has been also launched by Muslims to demand the dropping of the scheme.

Britain is home to nearly 2.4 million Muslims.

Values

The government argues that the classes are important to shield the children against abuses.

"Effective and early PSHE (personal, social and health education) lays vital foundations for sex and relationships education (SRE) in the future, because it involves the development of the personal and social skills necessary for positive relationships," said Terry Piggott, Rochdale’s executive director of children’s services.

He said all schools are required to set a policy outlining the provision of sex education, but each school creates its own individual program.

"Rochdale primary schools recognize the vital role they play in building on the learning established within the home and early years settings and in laying the foundations for more detailed SRE later on in secondary school.

"Parents and carers who have concerns should contact their child's school if they need further detail with regards to this aspect of the curriculum."

But the Muslim campaigner disputes the argument.

"Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong," Iqbal said.

"They need to be shown and taught what the boundaries of acceptable behavior are."
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