Socialist lawmakers have raised concerns over the omission of sexual education from the Citizenship and Development curriculum, in a query addressed to the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre. They argue that the lack of explicit references to sexual education in the newly proposed documents should not be seen merely as a curricular overhaul.
They warn that this could potentially signify a step back in promoting young people’s health and well-being and in preventing risky behaviors.
The Socialist Party seeks an explanation from the government on why there is no mention of fundamental concepts such as contraceptive methods or sexually transmitted diseases, despite assurances that no topic would be omitted.
They question whether the comprehensive development of students can occur without acquiring such learnings.
The socialist deputies demand clarity on how the government plans to fulfill international and national commitments made by Portugal regarding these subjects.
“Sexual education is not an ideological accessory; it is a right recognized by international organizations and an essential tool for the healthy development of children and adolescents,” they assert, referencing the 2009 law that established the framework for implementing sexual education in schools.
They point out that upon reviewing the document currently under public consultation until August 1, there is no explicit mention of sexuality, across all educational levels, not even regarding sexually transmitted diseases or contraception.
According to them, this omission “raises serious concerns.”
“By removing explicit references to sexuality, contraception, or sexually transmitted disease prevention, the Minister of Education is effectively making these crucial topics invisible in the comprehensive training of young people,” they state.
Gender identity topics will be excluded from the new Essential Learnings for Citizenship and Development, deemed too complex, justified the Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation on Monday.
The new National Strategy for Citizenship Education (ENEC) and the Essential Learnings for Citizenship and Development subjects entered public consultation, with the new guide paying less attention to topics like sexuality or animal welfare, focusing more on financial literacy or entrepreneurship.
Various leftist figures have criticized the far-right’s growing influence, fueled by the governance of AD, as a danger to everyone, following the release of the new National Strategy for Citizenship Education (ENEC).
Daniela Filipe | 17:54 – 21/07/2025
Two weeks ago, during a press conference, the Ministry announced the changes to the subject, where the Deputy Secretary of State and Education, Alexandre Homem Cristo, stated that no topics would be dropped in the restructuring.
Previously, the subject included 17 domains, some of which were contentious, such as gender equality or sexuality, but not all were mandatory.
