Italy advances referendum on inclusive sex education
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Activists in Italy collected over 500,000 signatures to initiate a referendum challenging restrictions on sex education in schools.
The campaign aims to overturn rules introduced by the Valditara Law last June, which prohibit discussion of sexuality in elementary and middle schools and require written parental consent for any related activities. These rules also mandate that students without parental permission be excluded from classroom discussions.
Proponents of the referendum believe removing these restrictions will restore sex and relationship education as a standard school activity, integrated into broader curriculum plans approved by parents, teachers, and students. They want to enable age-appropriate discussions about bodies, emotions, and relationships, and ensure all students can participate without discrimination. Recent surveys show widespread demand for this education among Italian teenagers.
A national study by Anlaids involving 100 schools across seven regions revealed that nearly 47 percent of students want schools to address emotions, relationships, consent, and respect. Many adolescents currently turn to friends and mothers for information on these topics, with limited access to medical or psychological support. This comes as approximately one-third of teenagers express concerns about unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and feelings of inadequacy.
