MEPs call for sex education in schools to help combat HIV/AIDS

3.26.02pm GMT Wed 28th Feb 2007

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford today welcomed the European Parliament civil liberties committee backing of a Liberal Democrat amendment calling for all EU citizens - including pupils in schools - to receive sex education as part of the strategy to combat HIV/AIDS.

The resolution on combating HIV/AIDS within the EU and neighbouring countries voted by the committee today emphasises the contribution of sex education, including respect and responsibility for one's partner and equal rights for homosexual, bisexual and transsexual people.

Baroness Ludford commented:

"I'm pleased that the Conservative and Socialist groups changed their initial stance and decided to back the European Liberal Democrat call for young people to get sex education in schools so that they can make informed choices and protect themselves."

"While the European Union rightly has no competence to decide on school curricula, it is legitimate for MEPs to urge member state governments to use every approach that would help tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS."

"Britain has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe, and the dramatically rising number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases in this age group is a particular cause for concern."

"The current British approach which effectively makes sex education in schools optional for parents does young people no favours. Teaching both the emotional and physical sides of sex in British schools would be a step towards responsible sexual behaviour."