A north-east campaigner is calling for “standardised” teaching materials on same-sex relationships to be introduced in all primary schools.
Aberdeen University medical student Jack Fletcher said the move would ensure that all children were properly equipped with the information they need to help tackle homophobia.
The 24-year-old spoke out after Education Secretary Mike Russell said ministers and Education Scotland “do not approve materials or publications for the teaching of relationships, sexual health and parenthood education”.
The SNP minister said: “It is up to local authorities and schools to determine what are the best resources to use in their circumstances.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who raised the issue with the Scottish Government in wake of a decision to legalise same-sex marriage, said he agreed with the government’s position.
“I would much prefer this was decided at local school level, with input from parents, teachers etc than handed down from ‘on high’,” he added.
Mr Fletcher, 24, a leading member of UK-wide student group Sexpression, said he acknowledged that teachers were “very capable of creating their own methods”.
“But having a helpful resource standardised as appropriate for primary school level would be ideal,” he said.
“The government is already very aware that not all children are receiving sex and relationship education and primary or secondary level and this will mean that too many children will not be given the information they need if questioning their own sexuality and to help tackle homophobia.
“The same-sex marriage bill is a great platform to start tackling homophobia and biphobia early on and without standardising the resources teachers are using a great opportunity could be missed.
“It is important that primary school children are given age-appropriate sex and relationship education to prepare them for pubertal changes that they may already be going through.
“Different sexualities can be discussed at primary school level but many teachers will be at a disadvantage of how to best carry out what can be a difficult task in a sensitive area as they are not given adequate training in the area.”
Mr Fletcher is currently lobbying the Scottish Parliament over the need for statutory SRE (sex and relationships education) in the education system.
The fourth year student, who has visited schools in Aberdeen to observe existing lessons, said the move would bring Scotland’s education policies into line with those in countries such as France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.
A spokesman for the Free Church of Scotland, which opposes gay marriage, said the wishes of parents who do not approve of the practice must be taken into account.
“The Scottish Government’s own consultation on gay marriage showed that tens of thousands of Scots were concerned about this matter, and parental beliefs deserve to be respected by schools,” he added.
“We certainly do not wish to see young primary school children, some of whom cannot even write their own name, being presented with sex education materials from lobby groups.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said relationships, sexual health and parenthood education was an integral part of the health and wellbeing area of the curriculum.
“We are currently updating the existing guidance on the Conduct of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education in Scottish Schools document,” she added.
“As part of that have sought views from various organisations and individuals.
“We are considering carefully the comments we have received and will publish an updated version in due course.”
A spokesman for local government group Cosla said it supported the government’s position on the issue.
A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said: “Sex education is part of the curriculum and includes discussions about different kinds of relationships.”