Teachers, parents and young people are being asked for their views on the new primary school Relationships Education subject.
Contrary to some media reports, the call for evidence is merely an early step in the English proposals – with a full public consultation to follow.
Responding to the announcement, The Christian Institute raised concerns about children facing increased exposure to inappropriate sexual content.
Sexualisation
Colin Hart, the Institute’s Director, said: “At a time when there is growing alarm at the sexualisation of children, this change could lead to the sex education industry, which promotes explicit materials, having much greater influence.”
Noting concerns that transsexual and homosexual activists may attempt to hijack the subject, Mr Hart added: “‘Respect other views’ must not be turned into code for ‘celebrate LGBT lifestyles’. This is a recipe for intolerance.”
Launching the call for evidence, which also covers a secondary school subject, Education Secretary Justine Greening pledged that schools will “continue to have flexibility over how they teach these subjects”.
Transsexualism
Under a recently-passed law, the Education Secretary has the power to legislate for primary Relationships Education and secondary Relationships and Sex Education.
The primary-aged subject is set to include teaching young children about “different types of relationships”, which could include homosexuality, transsexualism and same-sex marriage.
The secondary school subject is likely to include teaching on “sex, sexual health and sexuality”.
The call for evidence will close on 12 February 2018.