Student's participation in sex education must have parents' consent - lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - A Muslim lawmaker has proposed amendments to pending reproductive health bills in Congress to include a system of notification and consent from parents in sex education of students to take into account cultural and religious sensitivities.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong warned that promotion of reproductive health could also be done “in a potentially damaging way for individuals and the community” and possibly lead to interference by the State.

He said no student shall be required to take or participate in any class or course on reproductive health and sexuality education or family life instruction if his parents or guardian are against it.

He said the refusal to take or participate in the course or program shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of the student.

“The public and private schools shall adopt and implement a written policy ensuring parental/guardian notification and consent,” Balindong said.

“Instruction materials and related items with regard to sex education should be made available to parents, guardians, educators, school administrators, for inspection and review,” he said.

Balindong said no school administrator, teacher or employee who feels that such curriculum or activity violates his or her religious beliefs shall be required to participate in any way.

“To guarantee the rights of parents, and the rights of individuals to their religious beliefs, a system of notification and consent needs to be put in place,” he said.

Balindong said Islamic leaders today believe that if facts about sex are taught to children, “this should be done within the total context of Islamic ideology and Islamic teaching.”