Experts advise MPs to reject sex classes plan

Louise Nousratpour, Equalities Reporter
Monday January 16 2012
The Morning Star

Parliamentarians were today urged to reject an attempt by Tory MP Nadine Dorries this week to see sex education focus on advising girls to abstain from sexual activity.

A coalition of parents, abortion rights activists and secular groups will protest outside Parliament in London on Friday when Ms Dorries's Ten Minute Rule Bill receives its second reading.

Last year MPs voted for the Bill's proposals that girls between 13 and 16 should receive advice on the benefits of abstinence from sexual activity during sex and relationships education classes.

Campaigners warned at the time that the proposals were taking Britain closer to a US-style culture of religious virginity pledges and sexist attitudes to sexual responsibility.

Abortion Rights campaign co-ordinator Darinka Aleksic accused Ms Dorries today of pushing an anti-women agenda in Parliament under the cloak of female empowerment.

"Dorries conflates arguments about the sexualisation of childhood and the objectification of women with a moralising, shame-based approach to all female sexuality," said Ms Aleksic.

"A move to abstinence teaching will find huge support from the religious lobbying groups with whom Ms Dorries works so closely."

Ms Aleksic argued that abstinence-based sex education is not effective and will only lead to higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

She added: "Abortion Rights wholeheartedly opposes this Bill and we urge MPs of all parties to do the same."

Lisa Hallgarten of the Parents and Carers for Sex and Relationships Education warned: "If this Bill passes, then it is probable that many schools will only teach about abstinence before marriage in addition to basic sex education."

The protest on Friday is between 10.30am-12.30pm outside Parliament in St Margaret Street, London, SW1A 2AT.