At a recent Conservative Party Conference fringe event, Miriam Cates, former Member of Parliament, voiced her opinion on the controversial topic of sex education in schools. Cates, who previously represented the Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency, advocated for the removal of Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) from the curriculum.
Cates expressed concern about the potential misuse of these lessons to promote what she termed "contested" gender ideology. She stated, "Honestly I would scrap RSHE as a subject. My personal view is that we shouldn't have introduced that as a subject."
The ex-MP argued that schools should focus on "knowledge-based" subjects, suggesting that moral values related to sex should not be taught by educational institutions or the state. This stance comes amid ongoing debates about the content and delivery of sex education in UK schools, which became compulsory in England in September 2020.
Cates also criticized the Conservative Party's response to gender identity issues in schools and hospitals during their time in power. She claimed the party was "not quick enough to identify what was happening" because it had "ceased to be conservative."
The event where Cates spoke saw attendees applaud Rosie Duffield, the gender-critical MP who recently left the Labour Party. This gesture highlights the growing political divisions over gender identity and trans rights issues.
"The next Conservative leader must commit to repealing the Gender Recognition Act if the party wins power again."
Cates called for the repeal of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, which allows individuals to legally change their gender in the UK. She also appeared to criticize James Cleverly, suggesting he had not taken the issue seriously.
The debate surrounding sex education and gender identity in schools has intensified in recent years. The UK has seen a rise in young people identifying as transgender or non-binary, adding complexity to the discussion. While the Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on gender reassignment, the implementation of these protections in educational settings remains contentious.
As the next UK general election approaches, due no later than January 2025, the Conservative Party's stance on these issues may play a significant role in shaping their campaign and potential future policies. The ongoing discourse reflects broader societal debates about balancing inclusive education with parental rights and traditional values.