The Assembly welcomes the introduction of compulsory LGBT+ inclusive relationships education in schools from September this year.
Evidence from Stonewall shows that just one in six LGBT+ young people have been taught about healthy same-sex relationships.
Today, the London Assembly called on the Mayor to provide strategic support for LGBT+ inclusive relationships education across London through his education programmes, such as Schools for Success and the London Curriculum.
Jennette Arnold OBE AM, who proposed the motion said:
“In the two decades following the repeal of Section 28, we have made positive strides in tackling discrimination against the LGBT community. However, with the unacceptable scenes outside Birmingham schools last year and the rise in homophobic and transphobic hate crimes, it is clear that there is still huge progress to be made.
“We keenly welcome the introduction of compulsory LGBT+ inclusive relationships education in schools from the start of term in September, but teachers and local authorities need to be adequately equipped and prepared for this transition.
“Against the backdrop of Government cuts to the budgets of schools and councils, City Hall should now step in and offer tailored support though its education programmes and close engagement with the Department of Education and the right academic bodies.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly welcomes the introduction of compulsory LGBT+ inclusive relationships education in schools from September this year, following a partial rollout of non-compulsory Relationships/Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) from September 2019. Groups such as Stonewall, the Catholic Education Service, Terrence Higgins Trust, the NSPCC and the End Violence Against Women Coalition have campaigned for and supported this move, which will see age-appropriate teaching of relationships education, including same-sex relationships, in primary school, and healthy relationships and sex education for older children, including LGBT+ issues.
This Assembly notes evidence from Stonewall showing that, nearly 20 years after the repeal of Section 28, just one in six LGBT+ young people have been taught about healthy same-sex relationships, but that in schools that teach about LGBT+ issues, LGBT+ young people are more likely to feel welcomed, included and accepted. Children and young people of all genders and sexualities should be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy, informed decisions. This Assembly notes and welcomes the Mayor’s previously stated support for schools teaching LGBT+ education, but believes that he should do more to ensure that schools are fully prepared for this transition. Research by the National Education Union (NEU) and NSPCC showed that half of teachers said they lack confidence to teach compulsory RSE.
We are concerned this could undermine the effectiveness of this important element of the curriculum. The Local Government Association (LGA) has also stated that local authorities and schools should work together with local communities to support a smooth and inclusive rollout of the programme. Given the extent of cuts to local authority and schools funding across London, and the importance for London’s LGBT+ young people that RSE is introduced quickly and effectively, this Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to provide strategic support across London. Through his education programmes, such as Schools for Success and the London Curriculum, as well as by engaging directly with the Department for Education (DfE), Boroughs and Regional Schools Commissioners, the Mayor is well placed to share best practice and deliver tailored support on a pan-London basis.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast
- The motion was agreed by 15 votes for, to 1 against.
- Jennette Arnold OBE AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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