Media Releases

Iain Anderson, Chair of Trustees at Stonewall said: “Nancy is stepping back after three incredible years at Stonewall. She has been at the heart of advancing and protecting LGBTQ+ people’s rights, not just across the UK but across the world. Under Nancy’s leadership Stonewall has achieved tangible, life-changing impacts for LGBTQ+ people, and the entire board and staff are grateful for her leadership.”

“The board will now be working with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure that Stonewall continues to strengthen its work to support inclusive diverse workplaces and communities, alongside our fantastic domestic and global human rights campaigning. We are fully committed to our current Free to Be strategy.”

As Labour’s Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary writes about what the Labour Party means by modernising the legal gender recognition process, it’s important we put on record Stonewall’s view on how to drive forward meaningful reform.

Let’s start with where we are. The UK has fallen off track as an international leader on LGBTQ+ rights. Just 8 years ago we had the best LGBTQ+ rights in Europe, in 2023 we stand in 17th place. We have fallen back by staying still, as other countries have progressed and modernised their legislation, particularly on trans and intersex people’s rights.

Legal gender recognition is one of those rights where the UK has gone from leading to lagging. Passed in 2004, the UK’s Gender Recognition Act is now far behind international best practice. Crucially the 2004 Gender Recognition Act follows a medicalised model, where a trans person has to hold a medical diagnosis of ‘gender dysphoria’, which currently takes years to obtain, and present years of proof of ‘living in role’ to an anonymous panel to apply for a certificate.

International leading practice has moved to a model based on legal self-determination. That is because it is inhumane and undignified to make trans people obtain a medical diagnosis to obtain legal gender recognition. An ever-growing number of countries have moved to, or are moving to, this model over the last fifteen years. In 2019, the World Health Organisation de-classified being trans as a mental health disorder.

If any political party wants to get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights, they need to lean-in to international evidence, experience and best practice. Speak to Ireland, speak to Belgium, speak to New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark, large parts of Canada, US and Australia. Review the evidence – which finds no known cases of fraudulent or criminal intent. They need to understand how legal gender recognition with a de-medicalised model is working in practice before formulating the detail of their policy.

It is wrong to suggest that safeguards cannot exist with a de-medicalised model. The Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill was the most scrutinised piece of legislation ever passed by the Scottish Parliament and was passed by a solid majority of MSPs with support drawn from all parties.

Safeguarding was extensively considered by Scottish parliamentarians over the course of the Bill, including several amendments that were tabled and included to explicitly bolster protections. One such successful amendment was by the Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene, which created a new statutory aggravation offence connected to fraudulently obtaining a GRC. The safeguards in the Scottish Bill go much further than the UK Gender Recognition Act, and are much stronger and more specific than a GP being involved in the process, as was suggested by Labour today.

It is also important to note that the Bill was backed by every established women’s organisation in Scotland, including Women’s Aid, Amnesty International, Engender and Rape Crisis Scotland. The vast majority of women MSPs voted in favour of the Bill. The majority of Scotland’s women MSPs, feminist advocates and policy experts are satisfied that the provisions in the Bill do not have negative impacts on women and girls in Scotland.

If Labour are serious about reforming the Gender Recognition Act and enhancing trans people’s legal protections, we need a strategy informed by input from trans people on their needs and priorities, and a real understanding of how practice is working internationally. Not just on legal recognition, but healthcare, anti-discrimination and education.

There is a welcome intention to promote the dignity, respect and the potential of trans people, and it is now vital that they engage with communities and international experience before working on the detail of policies.

18th August 2023, London – Europe's largest LGBTQ+ right charity Stonewall, Gendered Intelligence and the Institute for Constitutional and Democratic Research (ICDR) have together been granted leave to intervene in an important Scottish judicial review in which the Scottish Government is challenging the UK Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack MP, on the issuing of a “section 35” order to block the passage of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill into law. 

A senior judge has permitted these organisations to submit written evidence to the court, outlining their rationale behind challenging the UK Government’s stance that there would be adverse consequences if the Bill became law 

Each of these charities represents a different area of relevant expertise, and by working together they will seek to provide evidence to the court demonstrating that:

• International comparators demonstrate that measures similar to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill have been implemented in comparable jurisdictions, without many or all of the adverse impacts which have been identified in the UK government Statement of Reasons. 
• The “adverse impacts” on equalities law identified by the UK Government are, in fact, unlikely to occur or will only occur in very rare factual contexts 
• Parliament did not intend the section 35 powers be used in the case of a mere policy disagreement or without first exhausting other avenues for dialogue between the UK Government and Scottish Parliament.

Colin Macfarlane, Director of Nations at Stonewall said: “The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill was passed by an overwhelming majority of MSPs from across all the political parties in the Scottish Parliament.   The Bill, as passed, would mean the process that trans men and trans women use to update the sex recorded on their birth certificates would no longer be intrusive and dehumanising.  It would also bring Scotland into line with international best practice.  More than 30 countries or territories around the world such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland have similar or more progressive laws and we want Scotland to join them so our trans friends, family and colleagues can live their lives with dignity.’’ 

Victoria Grace, Chief Operations Officer of the ICDR said: “Constitutional questions like this one aren’t just between governments. They impact on every citizen. Interventions like this one are an essential way for civil society to ensure that the court has all the information it needs to make a proper decision. The ICDR is delighted to have the opportunity to join with other civil society organisations to assist the court in this manner.”

Jay Stewart, CEO of Gendered Intelligence said: “Trans people should be able to live their lives with dignity and autonomy. Gender Recognition Reform is about trans people not relying on medical practitioners to ‘authorise’ any one person’s gender. There are many countries across the world, including very recently Spain, where trans people can self-determine their legal gender. That Scotland has democratically decided that its trans citizens should be able to do the same should be upheld and respected. As a trans-led organisation, Gendered Intelligence is working hard to protect our human rights and we are pleased to be working alongside our colleagues Stonewall and ICDR to intervene in this case.” 

Stonewall, Gendered Intelligence and the ICDR are represented by DLA Piper Scotland LLP. James Findlay K.C. and David Blair are instructed in the intervention. Robin Moira White, Adam Wagner, Sam Fowles and Stephanie Davin are also assisting in the proceedings. All are acting pro bono. 

Enquiries: Please contact the Press Office in case of any follow-up questions on 020 7593 1856 or at press.office@stonewall.org.uk for more information. 

About Stonewall 

Stonewall is the UK’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where every lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person is free to be themselves – wherever they are. 

It was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. Stonewall continues to campaign on LGBT Equality, as well as work with employers and schools to create environments which allow LGBTQ+ people to thrive. 

To get involved visit us at www.stonewall.org.uk | Registered charity number 1101255 

About Gendered Intelligence 

Gendered Intelligence is a registered charity that works to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people. 

Our vision is of a world where diverse gender expressions are visible and valued, and where trans, non-binary, gender diverse and gender questioning people live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives. 

We are a trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation with a wealth of lived experience, community connections of many kinds, and a depth and breadth of trans community knowledge that is second to none. The team has a variety of professional and academic specialisms and qualifications including training and facilitation, youth work, policy, the arts, and doctorates in trans-related studies. 

We aim to be thought leaders in this field, bringing positivity, passion and professionalism to everything we do. With our open and non-judgmental approach we want to enable nuanced discussion. 

About the Institute for Constitutional and Democratic Research (ICDR) 

The Institute for Constitutional & Democratic Research (ICDR) seeks to improve our constitutional conversation through public education and thought leadership. It works to open the legal and academic bubble, bringing the best constitutional minds in the country to legislators, government, and the public at large. The ICDR is entirely non-partisan. It works with legislators through the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Democracy and the Constitution. It also engages with select committee and public inquiries as well as officials in Westminster, the devolved legislatures and executives, and local government. Its ideas are developed by a panel of fellows drawn from the leading constitutional experts at the bar, in academia, on the roll, and in other areas of practice. It utilises the media, events, conferences, blogs, longer form research, briefings, videos, and educational materials to make ideas as accessible as possible to legislators, policymakers, and members of the public. 

The Institute’s mission is to 1) advise legislators and officials at all levels of government and devolution with non-partisan, concise, accessible, and strategic advice on constitutional and democratic issues; 2) empower citizens to engage in constitutional discourse through public education; 3) provide thought leadership by providing a platform for the nation’s leading constitutional minds to engage with our most pressing constitutional challenges. 

About Advocates and Barristers 

James Findlay KC practices from both Terra Firma Chambers in Edinburgh and Cornerstone Barristers in London and he specialisms include public, planning and environmental law.  

David Blair practises from Axiom Advocates. He specialises in public law and human rights litigation. 

Adam Wagner is a public law and human rights specialist and is a member of Doughty Street Chambers. He is also a visiting professor of law at Goldsmiths, University of London. 

Sam Fowles specialises in public and constitutional law and human rights. He practices from Cornerstone Barristers and is an associate at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford. 

Stephanie Davin is a member of Doughty Street Chambers practicing in public and civil law. She has a background in policy work and a master's in Gender Studies. 

Robin Moira White practises in discrimination and employment law across the whole of the U.K. from Old Square Chambers, London.

Stonewall continues to strengthen the diversity of its Board of Trustees, following the appointment of Cat Dixon and Jean Vianney Cordeiro as Vice Chairs. Ayla Holdom has become Chair of the Remuneration Committee whilst John Dickinson-Lilley also joined the Board as a new Trustee.

Cat and Jean Vianney have both served on the Board for a number of years, with Cat serving six years as a Trustee and Chair of the Remuneration Committee and Jean Vianney serving three years as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Both step into the role upon the retirement of Mitch Oliver as Vice Chair after more than four years on Stonewall’s Board. Meri Williams and Kyle Ring have also retired from the board.

Cat brings a wealth of experience and expertise in leading major organisations, currently serving as Director General of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Cat was previously Chief Executive of the Law Society, NHS Resolution and a large HE/FE University College having previously been a senior executive in BUPA and General Counsel for the NSPCC and served as an Officer in the British Army. Cat is a practicing solicitor and mediator and has served on numerous Boards. Cat also holds the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the world on a tandem which she set in 2020.

Jean Vianney brings extensive finance expertise to the Board, currently serving as Head of Corporate Development at Pets at Home. Following a career that has included investment banking roles at Morgan Stanley and RBC Capital Markets, he held a Corporate Development role at Smith+Nephew. He is a Trustee of Chichester Festival Theatre and is a CFA Charterholder and CPA (USA). In 2022, Jean Vianney ran 3 World Major Marathons, in 3 countries, in 3 weeks in support of Stonewall, raising over £10,000 for the organisation. Jean Vianney becomes the first person of colour to be appointed Vice Chair of Stonewall.

Ayla has been involved in Stonewall since 2015, initially as a participant in Stonewall’s Leadership Programme, and subsequently serving on Stonewall’s Trans Advisory Group before joining the Board in 2020. Ayla has exceptional professional experience having served in the RAF for over a decade, including a tour in Iraq in 2008, followed by 7 years as a Sea King helicopter Captain in the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force. Ayla came out as Transgender in 2010 and remained in active service throughout her transition as part of the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force, with the support and pragmatism of her colleagues and the wider armed forces. Ayla now works for the National Police Air Service.

John Dickinson-Lilley has worked for more than twenty years in communications and public affairs, recently holding Director of Communications roles at the British Museum and Goldsmiths, University of London. John has also competed internationally as a GB athlete, winning titles as double British and European para-ski champion and retiring in the World Top Ten. John has been a long-term Stonewall supporter, including as a Stonewall Sports Champion for our Rainbow Laces campaign since 2018.

Following Jean Vianney’s appointment to Vice Chair, Stonewall is excited to begin recruiting a new Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee to join its board. Further details of current opportunities can be found on Stonewall’s website.

Welcoming the appointments, Iain Anderson (he/him), Chair of Stonewall, said: ‘We are so fortunate to benefit from the wide range of experience and wisdom that Jean Vianney, Cat, Ayla and John all bring to all of us at Stonewall. Mitch, Meri and Kyle haven been excellent Trustees over the past few years. Everyone at Stonewall thanks them for their commitment and leadership in our work to support LGBTIQA+ communities in the UK and across the world.’

Jean Vianney Cordeiro and Cat Dixon, Vice Chairs of Stonewall, said: ‘We are delighted to be taking on the role of Vice Chairs at Stonewall and playing our part in representing our vibrant LGBTIQA+ communities within Stonewall.’

Ayla Holdom, Chair of the Remuneration Committee commented: ‘Continuing to work with the talented team at Stonewall is an absolute privilege and a real responsibility. Working alongside our committed Board and impressive Senior Leadership Team, I’m focused on ensuring Stonewall delivers for all of the communities we serve.’

John Dickinson-Lilley, Stonewall trustee, added: ‘It’s crucial that the voices of disabled LGBTIQA+ people are heard within our communities, I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to play my part in making that happen.’

We are pleased to note that Stonewall’s intervention submissions in the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill Judicial Review have been of value, given several references to them in the first morning’s proceedings.

Out of respect for the court process we did not intend to publish our written submission until judgment is given. However, the Court has now confirmed we can publish the submission and we are pleased to do so.

Read the full report.

Further information.

4th October 2023 – Europe's largest LGBTQ+ right charity Stonewall has been joined by 245 other organisations across the human rights, refugee, LGBTQ+ and women’s sectors in a powerful display of solidarity, following comments by the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, last week.

The coalition, including organisations such as Amnesty, Oxfam, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Refugee Council and Women For Refugee Women, has written to UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to protect LGBTQ+ people and women around the world.

Many of the signatories work daily with LGBTQ+ and women refugees, and ‘bear witness to their scars from being persecuted’.

The letter rejects Ms Braverman’s claim that LGBTQ+ and women refuges are misusing their identities to make false claims, and speaks of regret that the  Home Secretary’s selective use of stats ‘have nothing to do with genuine concern or respect for international law, refugees or their protection.’

Read the full letter.

Robbie de Santos, Director of External Affairs at Stonewall, said: “We all deserve a government with the compassion and will to protect the most vulnerable in society. Not only is the incumbent UK Government failing LGBTQ+ people domestically, with inaction on rising hate crime, but they are also failing the international community by indicated their disdain for international law – in the process bringing great shame on party and country.”

Steve Valdez-Symonds, Refugee and Migrant Rights Director at Amnesty International UK, said: “The Home Secretary’s verbal attack on the rights of LGBTQ+ and women refugees is deplorable. Not only did she once again stir utterly false prejudices against people seeking asylum, she also targeted refugees who often continue to face grave insecurity, hostility and violence – even long after escaping persecution and conflict. Ministers must stop their constant scapegoating and put their energy into repairing the utter wreckage they have made of the asylum system.”

Alphonsine Kabagado, Director, Women For Refugee Women, said: “We strongly condemn Suella Braverman’s speech last week – which was dangerous, inflammatory and racist. Not only did her claims stoke hatred and fear, they were untrue. To be granted asylum in the UK, you must prove a well-founded fear of persecution. Her suggestion that people lie about their identities to make false claims for protection, or that it is possible to be granted asylum based on discrimination alone, is unfounded. We know from our work supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women, including LGBTQ+ women, that many face persecution including torture, gender-based violence, sexual violence, trafficking and rape.

Braverman’s speech was also hypocritical. The Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to tackling violence against women and supporting survivors of such violence, as well as to supporting LGBTQ+ people. Yet when it comes to women or LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum in the UK, it seems these commitments do not apply. Instead of whipping up hatred, fear, and division against women and LGBTQ+ people seeking safety, the Government should treat them with compassion and kindness. How we treat people is who we are; the Government’s hostility does not represent us.”

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said: “Turning our backs on LGBTQ+ people and suggesting they are undeserving of a fair hearing in the asylum system is immoral.

Of the small number of people who come to the UK claiming asylum based on their sexual orientation, the majority are recognised as having a well-founded fear of persecution and are given refugee protection. We know from our work how traumatised they often are - what they need is support to restart their lives in safety, rather than hostility and disbelief.

The Refugee Convention’s fundamental purpose is to offer protection to those who need it, based on shared global values of humanity and fairness. Abandoning these values does not reflect who we are as a country.”

Leila Zadeh, CEO, Rainbow Migration, said: “Across the world there are LGBTQI+ people experiencing violence and persecution simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Around 70 countries still criminalise same-sex relations, and in some places the picture is getting worse.

Many LGBTQI+ people that we support every day tell us how they faced life-threatening situations back home. For example, Olu, a lesbian from Nigeria had to run for her life when her husband found out she was a lesbian and nearly killed her, or Adams was violently attacked in the street on several occasions by members of his community in Ghana because he was bisexual.

We all want to live somewhere where we can be safe and live fulfilling lives and most of us welcome people who are fleeing for their lives. We ask that the PM gets in line with public sentiment and commits to the protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people seeking safety in the UK.”

Enquiries: Please contact the Press Office in case of any follow-up questions on 020 7593 1856 or at press.office@stonewall.org.uk for more information. 

New hate crime statistics released today by the ONS reveal that England and Wales continues to become a less safe place for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

• The increase in hate crimes against trans people by 11% in a year, and by 186% in the last five years, comes against a backdrop of UK Government drawing back its support for trans people and the growth of divisive and demonising rhetoric about trans people in society.
• Hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation are still up by 112% in the last five years, despite this year's slight decrease of 6%.
• Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and transgender identity are the most likely to involve violence or threats of violence.
• Statistics only provide a snapshot of the reality, with the vast majority of victims not reporting their experiences to the police. The Government's own statistics suggest fewer than one in ten LGBTQ+ people report hate crimes or incidents.

These figures follow a recent British Social Attitudes survey which revealed Britain that is becoming more prejudiced as a nation towards trans people. The Home Office statistics also highlight that political and media narratives around trans people might have led to an increase in hate crime incidents.

These findings come as a manufactured culture war spreads divisive rhetoric and misinformation in our politics and media, often dismissing and legitimising the real violence experienced by many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, Stonewall, Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ charity, criticises the UK Government for its inaction on tackling this rising epidemic of hate; including running without a central strategy or plan since the last one expired in 2020.

It also points to the fact that some senior figures within the UK Government have helped to spread divisive rhetoric and misinformation for political capital, in the process dismissing or even legitimising the real violence and fear felt by many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Robbie de Santos, Director of External Affairs at Stonewall, said: “As a survivor of a violent attack myself, I know the awful reality behind these rising numbers. What concerns me even more is that political leaders haven't acted seriously or quickly enough. Instead many of them are filling the public domain with toxic language that dehumanises LGBTQ+ people and legitimises violence. The UK Government failed to implement any sort of strategy that responds to their own statistics and reports. We need a strong and committed leadership that moves away from divisive distractions and instead addresses the real problems of people in this country. We shouldn't be treated like second-class citizens.”

Stonewall urges the UK Government to make our communities safer by developing a clear plan to tackle hate crimes. Police and courts need proper training and resources to handle hate crimes effectively, and they must work closely with communities to improve reporting and support for victims. It's essential to put into action the recommendations from the Law Commission’s Hate Crime Laws Report without delay, ensuring fairness for all victims.

The LGBTQ+ charity also calls on all politicians to pull back from divisive 'culture wars' that harm the safety and dignity of us all. Britain could once take pride in being a tolerant, respectful and inclusive country, but a lack of positive action and threats to existing rights are taking the UK off course. Running the clock on a Bill to ban conversion therapy is just one example of a failure to protect and support LGBTQ+ people. Modern Britain needs leaders who will simply do the right thing and steer the country back on track.

The story behind numbers

The sad reality of LGBTQ+ people in the UK today is that they have more reasons to be worried and scared to simply go on about their daily lives.

Kieran Aldred, Head of Policy at Stonewall (he/him) said: “The official statistics are just the tip of the iceberg - the vast majority of LGBTQ+ people who experience hatred and violence in the UK do not report this. The Government's own National LGBT Survey showed fewer than one in ten LGBTQ+ people report hate crimes or incidents. Shockingly this includes only 37% of those who experience physical harassment or violence.”

"This low reporting shows continuing lack of belief in the forces that are supposed to protect us, with The Casey Report demonstrating that trust in the police among LGBTQ+ people had fallen faster than for any other group."

Dan Harry, TV Personality & LGBTQ Activist (he/him) said: "In the face of rising hate crimes, I want to stand up for my community who are under attack every day. What happened to me on the tube platform at King's Cross, where I was followed and surrounded by men who called me slurs and threatened to push me in front of a train, was not an isolated incident. For so many people in my community, it is so much worse.

This reflects a disturbing reality that our LGBTQ+ community faces daily. Many political leaders are fuelling the flames of homophobia in this country, and warping the facts to create a false narrative that puts a target on the backs of the most vulnerable.

That's why I'm partnering with Stonewall to demand change. We can't face this battle alone, rather we must tackle it together as a community. I want everyone enduring hate crimes to know you're not alone."

• Memorandum of Understanding against trans ‘conversion therapy’ launched today

• Health professionals commit to ending trans ‘conversion therapies’

• 13 organisations including the UK Council for Psychotherapy, the Royal College of GPs, the British Psychoanalytical Society and Pink Therapy say such practices are unethical

Leading UK organisations today (16 October 2017) committed to ending any attempts to offer ‘cures’ to trans people in a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The UK Council for Psychotherapy, the Royal College of GPs, the British Psychoanalytic Council and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy are among the organisations to sign the document.

The new memorandum makes clear that conversion therapy in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation is unethical, potentially harmful and is not supported by evidence.

The latest version is an update to the Memorandum of Understanding which was created in 2015 to condemn the use of so-called ‘gay cures’.

Despite the practice of therapies that aim to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of an individual receiving widespread criticism, some people still claim that sexual orientation and gender identity can be ‘cured’.

The primary purpose of the memorandum is the protection of the public through a commitment to ending the practice of ‘LGBT cure therapy’ in the UK.

       The MoU also intends to ensure that:

• the public are well informed about the risks of conversion therapy
• healthcare professionals and psychological therapists are aware of the ethical issues relating to conversion therapy
• new and existing psychological therapists are appropriately trained
• evidence into conversion therapy is kept under regular review
• professionals from across the health, care and psychological professions work together to achieve the above goals.

Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall, said: ‘Trans identities are not something to be ‘cured’ or changed. Stonewall is today delighted to join counselling and psychotherapy bodies across Britain to support a Memorandum of Understanding, which makes clear that any attempt to change a person’s gender identity through therapy is unethical. Trans people seeking support need to be accepted for who they are, not subjected to prejudice and harmful practice.’

Josh Bradlow, Head of Policy at Stonewall said: ‘It’s fantastic to see Layla Moran MP speaking openly and bravely about being pan and her relationship. We're still not living in a society where every LGBT person is free to be themselves, so having out and proud role models sends a powerful message and helps LGBT people know they have a place in the world.

‘It’s important we remember that coming out must always be a personal decision. No one should ever feel pressured to come out because speculating about people’s identity is not how we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable being open about who they are.

‘Representation of LGBT people in positions of political power is extremely important, which is why it’s great Layla is the first openly pansexual MP. We wish Layla Moran and her girlfriend happiness in the decade ahead.’

Responding to the Education Minister’s announcement, Andrew White, Director of Stonewall Cymru said: ‘Stonewall Cymru welcomes today’s announcement that all pupils in Wales will have access to Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in the new curriculum from 2022 onwards.

‘Effective, high-quality and timely RSE is a powerful tool to equip every young person to have healthy relationships and make informed decisions about their wellbeing. The changes to RSE will help children navigate a range of issues, working towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of children in Wales. LGBT-inclusive teaching is vital to ensure that every young person see themselves and their families reflected in what they learn. It also helps make sure that every young person grows up understanding the diversity of the world and people around them.

‘As a parent myself, I am delighted with today’s news and I’d encourage other parents and communities to learn more about the Government's plans for RSE. This is not just about sex education, it’s about a more holistic approach to giving children and young people the skills, tools and information they need to grow up happy and healthy in a fast-changing world.

‘It’s now vital that the Welsh Government equips teaching professionals with the right skills and resources needed to confidently deliver inclusive RSE in Wales.’