Sexual Education (Required Content) Bill

Dear Mr Cunningham

You will be aware of the Sex Education (Required Content) Bill proposed by Nadine Dorries MP, which would introduce abstinence-only education for girls. It is due to have its second reading in the House of Commons on 20 January. I am writing to ask if you would consider voting against Nadine Dorries MP’s Sex Education (Required Content) Bill.

As you will know, MPs voted the Bill through its first reading by 67 votes to 61, and it is vital that the Bill does not pass this next stage. Evidence shows that abstinence-only education, which exclusively teaches sexual abstinence until marriage, does not work. It does not reduce unwanted pregnancies or transmission of STIs, and if taught in schools would not equip young people with the information they need to make safe and informed decisions about their relationships. And by just focusing on girls, the Bill fails to acknowledge that safe, healthy sex is a shared decision that must be consented to by all parties – it completely ignores the role of boys and young men in having safe and healthy relationships.

Good, high quality Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) should include education about waiting before sex, the importance of safe sex and of sexual consent, and must be broad, fact-based and for all young people, regardless of gender or type of school.

Please do what you can to oppose this Bill.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Allan Andrews              
Earlsdon Ward