Italy introduces parental consent requirement for sex education

The law passed by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara (Lega) also obliges schools to inform families at least seven days before the relevant lessons are offered. This information must also contain information about external specialists or organizations involved.

Criticism from opposition ranks

The new regulation triggered clear criticism from the ranks of the opposition. Parliamentarians from left-wing parties argued that sex education should not be treated differently than other teaching content. Education Minister Valditara, however, defended the reform. It serves to protect minors from what he described as “gender propaganda”. At the same time, this strengthens the constitutional principle that parents are primarily responsible for the upbringing of their children.

The government received support from the parties in the center-right coalition. They welcomed the regulation and explained that it enabled parents to reject educational offers that they considered unsuitable. Sex education is not yet a compulsory part of school lessons in Italy. In comparison, the subject is firmly anchored in the regular curriculum in most other European countries.