The BHA has contributed to a consultation on draft guidance by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence to help schools deliver high quality sex education.
The BHA’s response was submitted through the Sex Education Forum, a collaborative network of over 50 member organisations committed to ensuring young people experience objective and non-judgmental sex education. The BHA’s head of public affairs Naomi Phillips is a member of the forum’s policy working group, helping to set its strategic direction and formulate its responses to government policy.
Naomi Phillips commented:
“The BHA welcomes the draft guidance as an important contribution to the evidence base on sex and relationships education. We did however raise a number of concerns about the language used in the guidance, which we feel gives undue prominence to religious views.”
“The BHA would also like to see NICE tackle the issue of ‘faith schools’ directly, as we know that many struggle to provide good sex education. We are particularly concerned how crucial issues such as contraception, safe sex, and different sexualities are taught in religious schools.”
“Ultimately the BHA wants to see sex and relationships education become a statutory part of the curriculum, with no religious opt outs. We hope that this guidance represents a significant step towards this goal.”
Notes
For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585 or 07540 257101.
Read the BHA’s submission to the NICE consultation
Read more about the BHA’s education campaigns.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief. The BHA contributes to debate on a wide range of ethical issues from stem cell research to sex education. The BHA is a member of the National Children’s Bureau Sex Education Forum (SEF) and the Children’s Rights Alliance for England.
The BHA is committed to encouraging informed and responsible choice. Therefore, we believe that all children are entitled to full and accurate SRE, including unbiased information on contraception, STIs, abortion, sexual orientation, and the many forms of family relationship conducive to individual fulfilment and the stability of society.