Adopted Resolution by European Parliament and Council on Strategy for European Citizens' Education
### Controversy Over the Citizenship Discipline Guide in Portugal: LGBTI+ Advocacy Groups Voice Concerns
A recent controversy has arisen in Portugal over the Citizenship discipline guide, as criticism mounts due to a reduction in content related to sexuality and sexual education. While the Minister of Education has assured that sex education will not disappear from the curriculum entirely, the reduction has sparked concern among educators, activists, and LGBTI+ rights organisations.
The associations defending LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, and related identities) rights are particularly troubled by this decision. They view it as a step that risks marginalising LGBTI+ identities and relationships, omitting essential discussions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and diversity.
One key concern is the exclusion of vital education on these topics, which are crucial for the full development of citizenship competencies and for fostering an inclusive society. Evidence shows that young people with non-heteronormative sexual orientations are at higher risk of bullying and cyberbullying, and comprehensive, inclusive sex education can help reduce stigma, promote understanding, and provide safe spaces for LGBTI+ students.
LGBTI+ rights organisations argue that excluding or minimising education on sexuality undermines efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality. Education that addresses sexual diversity is a recognised tool for supporting self-esteem, self-understanding, and bullying prevention among LGBTI+ students.
The absence of such content in Portugal’s guide for essential learnings is seen as a step backward by advocacy groups, who view inclusive education as vital for the protection and empowerment of LGBTI+ youth. This move contrasts with broader European trends, where many countries increasingly integrate LGBTI+ issues into school curricula and develop targeted programs to support LGBTI+ students.
The associations argue against the use of ideological shackles by the conservative right in the country's education system and promise to continue fighting for access to inclusive, cross-cutting, and transformative education. They believe that human rights cannot be complete without the dimension of sexual and reproductive rights and LGBTI+ rights, and consider it unacceptable to allow children and young people to be deprived of essential learnings about sexuality and sexual health.
The supposed omission of these contents is due to the labeling of them as 'gender ideology', a term that fosters misinformation and hatred. This decision does not guarantee protection from discrimination, prejudice, and gender violence for children and young people. The associations view the absence of these topics as "true shackles to the development and well-being of children and young people."
The associations appeal to all people to express their opinions on the public consultation using the official form. They argue that schools and the people who compose them are being instrumentalized, denying a reality as evident as plurality, diversity, and fundamental rights. The decision to omit sexuality and sexual and reproductive health topics from the Citizenship discipline is seen as another step towards a conservative direction, and the associations believe that the absence of expanded sexual education will minimize the beneficial effect it has for young people and children.
- In light of the concerns surrounding the reduction of sex education content in Portugal's Citizenship discipline guide, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of education and self-development that addresses sexual diversity, as it empowers LGBTI+ students and fosters their self-esteem, self-understanding, and protection from bullying.
- As the debate around sexuality education intensifies in Portugal, it is crucial for the integration of culture, science, and health-and-wellness topics, particularly those related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and diversity, in order to promote an inclusive society, combat discrimination, and ensure the rights of all citizens.
