Muslims and Sex Education

Abstract

Objections to contemporary practice in sex education are examined in the light of recent calls by Muslim leaders in Britain for Muslim parents to withdraw their children from sex education classes. The dilemma facing liberal policy makers is discussed, as they seek to reconcile the public interest, the wishes of parents with a wide diversity of beliefs and values and the perceived needs of children, and the paper concludes with a consideration of how far it is possible to develop an approach to sex education in the common school which is broadly acceptable to all groups, including minorities such as Muslims.