Rishi Sunak parrots ’72 genders’ teaching claim on Loose Women
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The UK government’s continued claims about young children being taught about “72 gender identities” have sparked controversy and concern among experts and politicians. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated this fear-mongering line during an appearance on ITV’s daytime show, Loose Women, where he discussed new guidelines on sex education in England.
The new guidance on relationships, sex, and health education (RSHE) will ban sex education for children under nine years old and prohibit education about gender identity for all pupils. Sunak expressed his concerns, stating, “Children were being exposed to lots of different things. You know, we’ve got lots of people talking to kids, they were talking about how you can have 72 different gender identities.”
He further claimed that “very young kids” were being exposed to “things which clearly aren’t appropriate.” However, there is no evidence to support the assertion that children are being taught about 72 genders. The claim appears to have originated from false reports alleging that a child on the Isle of Man was taught by a drag queen in 2023. These reports were later debunked, but not before teachers received a barrage of abuse and death threats.
When questioned by journalists about the prevalence of “inappropriate” relationships and sex education resources in schools, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan admitted she did not have concrete information. She stated, “I don’t think it’s widespread. I mean, I don’t know. Because, you know, it’s not something that we’ve gone and done a particular survey of… we’ve listened to reports, we’ve listened to concerns.”
The new guidance has faced criticism from experts and politicians who have likened it to the controversial Section 28 legislation from the Thatcher era, which banned the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his concerns for the well-being of trans young people following the publication of the amended policy.
“We’ve just got to be a bit aware when we have these conversations that we’re conscious about the impact this has on trans young people,” Khan said. He highlighted the role of social media in shaping young people’s views and emphasized the importance of responsible teaching to counter misinformation and promote resilience.
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas also voiced her worries about the government’s approach, stating, “There are no depths to how low this Government will sink.” She emphasized the importance of teaching children how to stay safe, kind, and respectful, calling on Tory ministers to educate themselves better.
The controversy surrounding the teaching of gender identities in schools has sparked a debate about the government’s handling of sex education and its impact on young people. As the discussion continues, it is essential to consider the well-being and education of all children in a responsible and inclusive manner.
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