Italy Passes Law Limiting Sex Education in Schools
Italy has passed a new law requiring parental consent for sex education in schools. LGBTQ+ groups warn the law puts vulnerable young people at serious risk.
Italy's senate has passed a new education law. It is called the 'Valditara bill.' The law makes big changes to sex education in schools.
Parents must now give permission before their child can join sex education classes. This applies to middle school and high school students. In elementary schools, sex education is now completely banned.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara supported the law strongly. He said the goal is to protect children. He spoke about stopping what he called 'gender propaganda' in schools. He also said parents should have more control over gender identity topics for their children.
LGBTQ+ rights groups are very worried about this law. They say young people need honest and complete information about sexuality. This includes information about gender identity and sexual orientation. Without this, LGBTQ+ youth may feel more alone and unsupported.
Human Rights Watch reported on this law. They say it could seriously limit access to important health information. Young LGBTQ+ people often rely on school education to understand themselves. Removing this access can be harmful to their mental health and wellbeing.
Italy already has fewer LGBTQ+ protections than many other European countries. This new law adds to growing concerns. Critics say the government is moving in a more conservative direction. They believe this hurts vulnerable young people the most.
Students have already started to protest. In October 2024, a group called OSA held a flash mob in Rome. They performed in front of the Ministry of Education. They demanded that sex and relationship education be kept in schools.
Supporters of the law say parents have the right to decide what their children learn. They believe schools should not teach about gender identity without family approval. The minister said biological sex education will still be taught in schools.
But critics disagree strongly. They say that incomplete education leaves young people without the tools they need. LGBTQ+ teenagers especially need inclusive and honest information. Denying them this can lead to confusion, shame, and isolation.
The debate around this law continues across Italy and Europe.