Quebec to provide teachers with training ahead of compulsory sex-ed course

Quebec’s education minister says he has listened to the concerns of teachers who want more training as the province moves to make sex education compulsory in primary and secondary schools.

Educators will have access to the needed resources, Sebastien Proulx told reporters Thursday.

The courses next September will be mandatory for about one million students from Grade 1 through Grade 11 and the information will be taught during regular subjects such as French or mathematics.

Proulx is expected to make an official announcement later at a conference on sexual violence.

He told reporters the sexual-education teachings are important and amount to just a few hours per school year, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

The information the students receive will be based on their age and will deal with sexuality, anatomy, body image, sexual assault, love, sexual relations, stereotypes and sexually transmitted infections.

Proulx acknowledges that some parents are opposed, but contends the vast majority have sought the instruction for their children.

“I know it’s not an easy subject, I know it’s a sensitive topic,” said Proulx, a father of two. “But we have to respond as a society to a societal issue.”

As in the case of the province’s religious ethics course, a mechanism will exist for exemptions, but they will be granted only in exceptional cases.

Proulx gave the example of a child who is a victim of sexual violence and in a vulnerable state.

“Will we grant them (exemptions) for everyone for all reasons? The answer is no.”

The Canadian Press

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