All children in Northern Ireland are a step closer to age-appropriate and evidence-based relationships and sexuality education

Children in Northern Ireland have moved a step closer to relationships and sexuality education (RSE) that gives them the facts, whichever school they attend. On Monday the Assembly backed proposals to make RSE consistent across all schools, to protect safeguarding lessons from parental withdrawal, and to gradually phase out wider opt-outs. Northern Ireland Humanists has welcomed the vote and called on Education Minister Paul Givan to act on it without delay.

At present, what young people learn about consent, contraception, abortion, and healthy relationships depends heavily on which school they attend and that school’s ethos. Humanists believe every young person has the right to accurate, inclusive information so they can make their own informed choices, keep themselves safe, and treat others with respect. The Assembly’s vote is the clearest signal yet that MLAs agree.

MLAs voted by 46 to 28 on Monday 2 November to endorse the Education Committee’s report following its mini-inquiry into RSE. Voting members of Sinn Féin, Alliance, the SDLP, and People Before Profit supported the motion, while those from the DUP, UUP, and TUV opposed it.

The report, published in July, found that provision is inconsistent. It recommended stronger curriculum requirements, better teacher training, and inspection of RSE. It also called for greater involvement of parents and pupils, and more transparency about who teaches RSE and what materials they use.

It also recommended that children should not be withdrawn from lessons directly concerned with protecting them from sexual abuse and exploitation. It also proposed phasing out wider withdrawal rights gradually, once standardised, inclusive, high-quality, evidence-based, and age-appropriate RSE is in place.

The vote does not itself change the law or the curriculum. It calls on the Minister to bring forward proposals to strengthen provision.

Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator commented:

‘Every child should receive comprehensive relationships and sexuality education, whichever school they attend. Religious ethos must never be used as an excuse to withhold essential information about consent, sexual health, healthy relationships, or recognising abuse.

‘Children need to understand that abuse can come from someone they know and trust, including a family member or an adult in authority. They need the words to describe what is happening, reassurance that it is never their fault, and clear routes to help. Responsibility for abuse always rests with the perpetrator, and adults and institutions must fulfil their safeguarding duties.

‘The Assembly has backed reform. The Education Minister must now set out how and when these recommendations will be implemented, with proper support for teachers and effective inspection.’

Northern Ireland Humanists is calling for a clear minimum entitlement to comprehensive RSE across all schools, supported by trained teachers, accessible resources, and meaningful engagement with children and young people.