HAMPSHIRE County Council has been slammed by The Christian Institute for recommending a sex education pack to schools, that the institute sees as Ôshockingly explicitÕ.
The pack, called Taking Sex Seriously, is published by Healthwise, and is recommended by Hampshire County Council to its schools for use in sex education lessons.
The Christian Institute has published a report called Sex Lessons for Kids, that criticises Hampshire, along with several other local authorities, for endorsing what they see as Òcompletely inappropriateÓ material.
The Christian Institute is a registered charity which seeks to promote the Christian faith in the UK. The group campaigns for Christian truth and helps Christians influence the world they live in.
Particular aspects of the pack objected to by the Christian Institute include the buying of condoms for homework, raising awareness of what they consider to be deviant sexual practices, and encouraging children to role-play being homosexuals.
The Christian Institute report calls for tougher safeguards against inappropriate sex education, and for more power to be given to parents.
Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute, said; ÒParents will be shocked at what Hampshire County Council has recommended for use in schools.
ÒThese materials are completely inappropriate, and they should be removed from the list of recommendations. We need tough new laws which give parents more powers to protect their children from inappropriate sex education materials.Ó
Hampshire County CouncilÕs education officer, Andrew Seber, defended the countyÕs position.
He said: ÒThis resource pack is one of several used in Hampshire schools to offer teachers a wide range of activities to use in sex education classes with older pupils.
ÒWe expect teachers to use their judgement and skills in selecting and managing sex education appropriate to pupil needs identified with the pupils themselves, especially in older year groups. Also, any visitor to the school who contributes to the planned programme, agreed in consultation with parents, must work within the parameters of school policy.
ÒThe Christian Institute has taken these sensitive issues completely out of context and their tone does little to encourage sensible debate.
ÒI am confident that the local education authority does everything within its power to ensure that Hampshire pupils are provided with high quality learning opportunities, and that teachers are sensitive to pupilsÕ needs.Ó