Cagliari, sex education for children aged three and up: controversy erupts

Sex, emotional relationships, respect for others, children, young people, parents' right to decide how to raise their children. And a question dividing politicians: how far can a municipal administration go in the emotional and sexual education of children and young people? A storm erupts at Palazzo Bacaredda over the (entirely political) document presented by Paola Mura (Progressisti) and endorsed by the entire center-left majority. The goal: to begin discussing relationship education, promoting culture and respect for others, in middle and high schools, but also in libraries, youth centers, and after-school spaces (for preschools and elementary schools).

The document

Paola Mura, the initiative's promoter, explains the proposal's purpose: "We want the Municipality to promote a culture of respect, healthy relationships, and awareness of oneself and others. We don't intend to break the law, which exists and must be respected," she says. She's referring to the legislation introduced by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, which introduces strict restrictions on sex education programs in schools. "In middle and high schools," as noted, "interventions will be possible with the informed consent of families, while for younger children, we intend to enhance extracurricular contexts," since the Valditara law prohibits similar programs in preschool and elementary schools. "Today, a 10- or 11-year-old child can encounter violent content online. We can't pretend the world is the same as it was twenty years ago. We need to talk about it with the kids, but also with their parents, who need guidance." She adds: "We believe that only experts should be involved in these sexual and emotional education programs."

The criticisms

The chorus of "no" from the minority benches was immediate. Roberto Mura (Alleanza Sardegna) questioned the political thrust of the proposal: "Shouldn't a true progressive be a lover of freedom? Freedom of thought, freedom of education, the freedom of families to pass on their values to their children. The education of children and young people, especially on sensitive issues like affectivity and sexuality, is based on a very delicate alliance between family and school."

Pierluigi Mannino, leader of the FdI group, also expressed criticism: "We are all in favor of educating people about respect for others, prevention, and the promotion of healthy relationships. The problem is when, behind shared principles, proposals are constructed that seem to ignore the role of families and, above all, common sense. The reference to a project involving children aged 3 to 6 is peculiar in this regard. Yet, among the topics addressed in the motion, we find contraception, sexually transmitted infections, sexting, and online pornography."

But. Mad.