Reacting to the publication of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission report into Relationships and Sexuality Education in Northern Ireland Post Primary Schools, Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:
“Today’s report by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission confirms what we have been saying for years. The current curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education in Northern Ireland is failing our young people by not providing them with age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education.
“It is deeply concerning that schools are actively contributing to shame and stigma surrounding sex. For those living with HIV in Northern Ireland stigma in every aspect of life is a major obstacle towards greater acceptance and understanding. We need to have honest and inclusive conversations as a society to ensure sex positive relationships are guaranteed for future generations.
“The Department of Education need to view today’s report as a must read while they develop statutory guidance under last week’s new regulations. Facts based teaching on relationships and sexuality must be the norm across all of our schools. It can no longer be down to an ethos educational veto.”