Italy referendum on school sexual education collects 40,000 signatures

The signature collection process for a referendum regarding sexual and affective education in Italian schools has officially begun. In its first weekend, the initiative gathered over 40,000 signatures.

Promoted by the committee ‘Sì educazione affettiva nelle scuole’, the referendum aims to abolish current restrictions that require prior written parental consent for students to participate in these lessons. Currently, students without such authorization are removed from the classroom. If the referendum succeeds, sexual and affective education would be treated as a standard part of the educational curriculum, decided through the participation of teachers, families, and students.

The committee, led by activists including Fabrizio Marrazzo and Marina Zela, argues that such education is essential to combat social issues like bullying, discrimination, and femicide. They have called on political candidates to take public stances on the issue, emphasizing that the initiative is a cross-party matter concerning the rights and education of future generations. Citizens can sign via the official ministerial platform using SPID.