Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said in a letter that he supports the teaching of same-sex relations and pro-LGBT lessons to primary school children.
Responding to a letter seen by Pink News about parents protesting against the ‘No Outsiders’ programme in Birmingham’s Parkfield Community School, Mayor Khan wrote: “I am aware of the ongoing situation and will be monitoring any developments in London’s schools and communities.
“It is vital that every single young person feels accepted, understood and included in our city.
“LGBT+ rights are a fundamental part of this and I want to send a clear message to the world that London is a place where all LGBT+ people can be out and proud.
“Our schools must be places where children feel safe and welcome, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, or that of their families.
“No child should have their learning disrupted or restricted by any form of discrimination.
“I believe young people should be able to learn about healthy relationships of all kinds at school, and that includes LGBT+ relationships. To do so is the very basis of our decency as a society.
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“This will properly equip students to make safe and informed decisions, show that LGBT+ relationships are part of everyday life, and ensure that all Londoners can feel proud of who they are.
“I am proud to be mayor of a city that embraces differences and celebrates diversity. This is the bedrock of our history, our culture and our strength as Londoners.”
The UK parliament recently passed the Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) Bill with a vote of 538 to 21 on Wednesday 27 March.
From September 2020, same-sex relations and pro-LGBT lessons will be compulsory in state schools and will be taught to pupils as young as four.
