LGBT content in the curriculum to be debated by MPs

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 18 March)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
• Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter, and join the discussion using #PetitionsDebate

Elliot Colburn MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

The petitions that will be debated are:

1. Remove LGBT content from the Relationships Education curriculum

This petition, which has more than 249,000 signatures, states: “We believe kids shouldn't learn about this at an early age. I am sure there are many parents who do not want their or other children taught about LGBT in primary school.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 30 January 2023, the Government said: “Primary schools are not required to teach LGBT content but can choose to teach it in an age-appropriate way. The Department for Education has no plans to change its advice to schools on this subject.

2. Do not remove LGBT content from the Relationships Education curriculum

This petition, which has more than 104,000 signatures, states: “We believe kids should learn about this at an early age. I am sure there are many parents who want their and other children taught about LGBT issues in primary school.

In its response to the petition, provided on 31 January 2023, the Government said: “Primary schools are not required to teach LGBT content but can choose to teach it in an age-appropriate way. The Department for Education has no plans to change its advice to schools on this subject.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the requests of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

Image: UK Parliament/Tyler Allicock