In Italian schools, sex education will in the future only be taught with explicit parental consent. With the majority of the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the new law in Rome has now also been approved by the Senate after passing the Chamber of Deputies. Sex education in preschools and in elementary schools will therefore be fundamentally banned.
The regulation is set to take effect after the summer break in September. The ruling is controversial. Unlike in other European countries, sex education is not currently a fixed part of the Italian curriculum. There had not been a clear rule until now.
Education Minister Warns of “Gender Propaganda”
The right-wing coalition made up of Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia, Lega, and Forza Italia justifies its new law by arguing that the decision about participation in sex education should ultimately rest with parents. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara of the far-right Lega party also warned against “gender propaganda.” “We are giving parents back a voice on the questions of their underage teenagers’ gender identity,” he said. Critics from the opposition argued that children would be left to confront questions about sexuality for ideological reasons.
In detail, the law requires schools to obtain a written consent from parents at least one week before classes begin. In addition, they must receive materials about learning objectives and the teachers who will deliver the instruction at least one month in advance. Adult students can give their own consent. Going forward, biology classes are to educate about the risks posed by sexually transmitted infections.
