Parents urge Welsh government to delay rollout of RSE

Parents have written to the Welsh government calling for a delay to the introduction of the new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum until after a judicial review is heard.

The controversial curriculum is due to start in schools across Wales from September.

It has drawn concern around the teaching of sexuality and gender identity.

Under the curriculum, sex education will be taught to children from the age of three, with no right for parents to withdraw their children from the lessons. 

Public Child Protection Wales (PCPW) was granted a judicial review into the curriculum but the Welsh courts have delayed hearing the case until after the start of the new academic year. 

The case is expected to be delayed beyond that as the Queen's Counsel appointed by the government is not available until November. 

Over 5,000 people backed PCPW's petition for a judicial review, which was granted in May after the High Court declared that the Welsh government's plans involve "the consideration of complex constitutional matters with potentially very significant consequences for both parents and children". 

PCPW has written to the Welsh government asking that it withhold implementation of the RSE curriculum until after the judicial review has been heard. 

The campaign group is also asking that in the event that the Welsh government insists upon rolling out the curriculum, parents be given the right of withdrawing their children from the lessons until judgment has been made. 

PCPW co-founder Kim Isherwood said: "We believe the Welsh government should respect any order of the High Court, and should not seek to prejudge the outcome of any decision.

"We have therefore written to the government to obey the 'spirit' of the judgment handed down by Mr Justice Turner until the Judicial Review decision is known." 

She urged the government to appoint a different counsel so that the judicial review "can proceed without delay". 

"This is the sort of bureaucracy which makes the electorate mad, and ministers should put it right immediately," she said.

"It is also clear that administrators in Cardiff have not taken on board the seriousness of the issues concerned, and should urgently seek dates from both parties for July or August – ahead of the start of term.

"This is about our children and their futures."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
King Charles tells US Congress Christianity is his ‘firm anchor and daily inspiration’ during historic Washington address
King Charles tells US Congress Christianity is his ‘firm anchor and daily inspiration’ during historic Washington address

King Charles III declared that Christianity remains a “firm anchor and daily inspiration” in his life as he delivered a landmark address to a joint session of the United States Congress during his first official state visit to the US as monarch.

Christians urge international action over deepening humanitarian crisis in Iran
Christians urge international action over deepening humanitarian crisis in Iran

A Christian advocacy group has issued an urgent appeal for international intervention as humanitarian conditions in Iran continue to worsen, warning that shortages of medicine, food and essential supplies are placing millions of vulnerable people at risk.

Coptic Christian YouTuber sentenced to five years in Egypt over faith-based online videos
Coptic Christian YouTuber sentenced to five years in Egypt over faith-based online videos

A man has been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labour in Egypt after posting online videos about Christianity, according to Christian legal advocacy group ADF International.

Pakistan sets up committee to review forced marriage of Christian girl
Pakistan sets up committee to review forced marriage of Christian girl

The number of minority girls abducted every year in Pakistan is unclear.