Controversial Decree Aims to Reshape Sex Education in Italian Schools

The Italian government is considering a new decree-law that would considerably alter how sex education is delivered in schools. Spearheaded by the current administration, the proposal mandates that schools obtain explicit written consent from parents before students can participate in sex education lessons. Moreover, schools would be required to provide detailed outlines of the curriculum, including the materials used and the objectives of the courses, at the beginning of each academic year. Currently, sex education is not compulsory in Italian schools.

Emphasis on Parental Rights and Traditional Values

According to a statement released after a Council of Ministers meeting, the government’s intention is to guarantee the prior and informed consent of families concerning school activities related to sexuality. This move aligns with the Prime Minister’s self-described role as a Christian mother and reflects a broader commitment to traditional family values, which were central to the 2022 legislative elections.The Vatican’s considerable influence in Italy also contributes to the sensitive nature of sex education.

The proposed law stipulates that schools must share complete facts about the course content, teaching aids, and learning goals. Parental consent will be mandatory for any extracurricular activities or expanded educational offerings related to sexuality. Students who are not granted parental permission to participate will be offered an choice activity,although the specific nature of this alternative remains unclear.

Restrictions on Curriculum Content

The proposed legislation also seeks to limit the scope of sex education in primary schools (for children up to age 11), focusing primarily on the biological and reproductive aspects of sexuality.the current right-wing coalition reportedly aims to exclude discussions about homosexuality, trans identity, and broader aspects of sexual identity from the curriculum.

The Debate’s Origins and the Government’s response

The debate surrounding sex education in schools gained momentum following the tragic murder of a 22-year-old student in late 2023. This act of femicide sparked national outrage and prompted calls for compulsory sex and emotional education in schools. While the government claims the new law addresses thes demands by leaving freedom of choice, critics argue that it effectively undermines efforts to provide comprehensive sex education.

Rather than prohibiting it, the Italian far right has encouraged doctors to refuse to practice it, so that a majority of gynecologists refuse to interrupt pregnancies in the name of the concious. Catholic associations are also encouraged to go to hospitals to dissuade women from aborting.

Concerns About Adolescent Sexual Health and education

Data indicates a significant gap in sex education among Italian youth. A report by Save The Children italy revealed that only 47% of Italian adolescents have received any form of sex education at school. this figure drops to 37% in the country’s poorest southern regions, such as Sicily and Sardinia. Moreover, a 2020 European Union report found that existing sex education programs in Italy tend to focus narrowly on biological aspects, neglecting the psychological, social, and emotional dimensions of sexuality.

For context, comprehensive sex education, as advocated by organizations like UNESCO, includes topics such as:

• Anatomy and reproductive health
• Contraception and safe sex practices
• Healthy relationships and consent
• Gender identity and sexual orientation
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

criticism and Concerns About Gender Stereotypes

The CESIE European Research Center, based in Palermo, Sicily, has criticized the government’s approach to sex education as incoherent and blocked by structural barriers and political resistance. The center accuses far-right movements of portraying sex education as a threat to traditional family values and national identity.

By blocking education on relations, consent and sexuality, they strengthen gender stereotypes and maintain a patriarchal system marked by sexist violence,
CESIE European Research Center