Last week, Italy’s Senate approved the “Valditara bill,” a legislative measure that introduces strict parental consent requirements for sexuality education in middle and high schools while banning it entirely in elementary schools. The law, which now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for final approval, mandates that schools notify parents of all sexuality education activities, disclose external speakers, and provide teaching materials a week in advance for written consent. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, who spearheaded the bill, stated the reform aims to “protect children from the confusion of gender propaganda” and “restore parental authority over gender identity education.”
The legislation faces immediate scrutiny from international human rights bodies and advocacy groups. The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education has previously emphasized that sexuality education “must be free of prejudices and stereotypes” and must safeguard students from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Italy, which has ratified multiple international treaties guaranteeing children’s rights to health and education, now risks violating these obligations, according to legal experts.
A 2025 survey by Save the Children and Ipsos revealed that 47% of Italian students had received sexuality education, while 57% relied on online sources to learn about sexually transmitted infections. Despite this gap, 95% of parents surveyed supported school-based sex education, and 91% agreed it should be mandatory. The new law’s administrative demands—such as requiring alternative activities for students who opt out—could deter schools from offering the curriculum altogether, according to the Italian Education Union.
Comprehensive Sexuality Education, defined by the World Health Organization as a “human rights-based approach,” equips young people with knowledge about consent, reproductive health, and gender equality. Studies show it reduces risky sexual behavior and prevents gender-based violence. However, Italy’s current framework allows schools to opt out of the program, with some already requiring parental consent for certain modules. The Valditara bill extends these practices nationwide, creating a fragmented system that critics argue undermines students’ access to critical information.
The law’s passage follows months of protests by student groups, including the OSA coalition, which staged a flash mob outside the Ministry of Education in October 2024 to demand inclusive sex education. Activists argue that the bill disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ students, who are more likely to face bullying and lack safe spaces to discuss their identities. “This reform sends a message that our rights are not a priority,” said a representative from the Italian Youth Federation, who declined to be named due to safety concerns.
The Chamber of Deputies is expected to debate the bill in early 2025. If passed, the law would mark a significant shift in Italy’s approach to education, contrasting with nations like Spain and France, where comprehensive sexuality education is mandatory. Human rights organizations have warned that the legislation could exacerbate health disparities, particularly among marginalized communities, without robust safeguards to ensure equitable access.
