Dutch primary and secondary schools should be required to provide sex education, including information about homosexuality. That was the message coming from parliament on Tuesday.

Education Minister Marja van Bijsterveldt opposes the requirement. According to her, schools already have pnety of leeway to deal with sex issues. She would rather see educators focus on other important topics, such as obesity.

Gay rights organisation COC, however, is pleased with the proposal. Chairperson Vera Bergkamp called it a compelling signal the government can scarcely ignore. The group had held a demonstration in The Hague prior to the vote. 

In 2009, the house passed a motion calling for all schools to provide sex education.

(lo/imm)

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