After 25 years of delays, France's education system is set to launch a comprehensive sex education program, addressing critical issues of consent and gender roles. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne announced the curriculum amidst considerable debate and opposition from conservative lawmakers. The move comes after findings that highlight the urgent need for education on these topics, particularly in the wake of troubling statistics regarding child abuse.
French Government Introduces Long-Awaited Sex Education Curriculum
French Government Introduces Long-Awaited Sex Education Curriculum
Starting in September 2025, French students will receive formal education on sex, gender stereotypes, and consent, finally implementing a long-overdue law.
In a historical shift, France will finally implement a longstanding law mandating sex education in schools that had remained dormant for nearly a quarter-century. Beginning this September, students will receive lessons on sex, consent, and the impacts of gender stereotypes—topics deemed essential by many advocates, including Sarah Durocher, the president of Le Planning Familial.
Despite facing backlash, including an op-ed signed by over 100 senators from the conservative party Les Républicains, who labeled the program as "ideological brainwashing," the government remains firm in its stance. Opposition critiques have focused on the inclusion of “gender identity” discussions, which they argue are inappropriate for children.
In her defense of the curriculum, Borne referenced disturbing statistics from an independent commission, revealing that one child in France is sexually abused every three minutes, typically by a family member. This emphasizes the dire requirement for comprehensive sexual education in schools, prompting conversations previously relegated to the shadows.
Overall, the French government is taking significant steps to address these crucial societal issues, pushing for a program that many hope will positively impact future generations. The newly formed curriculum aims to educate and empower students with the knowledge they need to navigate complex subjects like consent and sexual health effectively, marking a significant moment in France's educational history.
Despite facing backlash, including an op-ed signed by over 100 senators from the conservative party Les Républicains, who labeled the program as "ideological brainwashing," the government remains firm in its stance. Opposition critiques have focused on the inclusion of “gender identity” discussions, which they argue are inappropriate for children.
In her defense of the curriculum, Borne referenced disturbing statistics from an independent commission, revealing that one child in France is sexually abused every three minutes, typically by a family member. This emphasizes the dire requirement for comprehensive sexual education in schools, prompting conversations previously relegated to the shadows.
Overall, the French government is taking significant steps to address these crucial societal issues, pushing for a program that many hope will positively impact future generations. The newly formed curriculum aims to educate and empower students with the knowledge they need to navigate complex subjects like consent and sexual health effectively, marking a significant moment in France's educational history.
