Italy has moved to strengthen parental authority over sex education in schools after the Senate gave final approval to a reform promoted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government.
The reform, sponsored by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, will require schools to obtain parental consent before students participate in sex education initiatives. The law also excludes sex education programs from nurseries and primary schools, reflecting concerns that young children should not be exposed to sensitive topics at an early age.
Following the vote, Valditara said the reform would protect minors “from the confusion of gender propaganda” and restore the constitutional principle that parents bear primary responsibility for their children’s education.
The minister’s remarks reflect what Italian families have demanded after growing parental concerns that schools and outside organizations have increasingly been allowed to promote ‘woke’ ideas about gender and sexuality in schools.
Under the new law, schools must notify families at least seven days in advance of any sex education activities and provide details about any external experts or organizations involved. Supporters say this transparency will allow parents to make informed decisions about what their children are exposed to in the classroom.
The Catholic family advocacy organization Pro Vita & Famiglia welcomed the reform. A spokesperson for the organization said, “Parents will be able to learn about, identify, and reject in advance inappropriate projects that promote gender fluidity, abortion, surrogate motherhood, and an ideological vision of sexuality among minors.”
The legislation marks another example of the Meloni government’s effort to reinforce traditional family authority in education.
