Written question asked by Mark Pritchard (Conservative) on Monday, 14 January 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 January 2013. It was answered by Elizabeth Truss (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 April 2013 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Marriage

Question

(2) if he will discuss with the Minister for Women and Equalities the introduction of a provision for (a) faith schools and (b) any other schools that so choose to opt out of requirements to teach about same-sex marriage.

[137762]

Mark Pritchard:

Answer

Parents already have the right to withdraw their children from all parts of sex education not covered in the National Curriculum for Science, which covers the biology of reproduction. Such a provision would therefore not be necessary.

When delivering sex education, schools—including faith schools—must ensure that pupils are presented with balanced, factual information about the nature and importance of marriage for family life and bringing up children. They are also required to ensure that they do not teach anything that would be considered inappropriate to a pupil's age, religious or cultural background. The Government's proposals for equal marriage do not change either of these.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137762; 561 c481W
Session: 2012-13
Subjects: Homosexuality Education Marriage
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Marriage

Secondary information

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