LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A planned overhaul of sex education in British schools is squeamish, conservative and caters more to boys than girls and LBGT+ pupils, according to feedback on the government proposals as a consultation period ended on Wednesday.

The government wants sex education to be compulsory at all schools in England and this year began working on the first major reforms to sex and relationship guidance for 18 years.

“What has been proposed is extremely squeamish about the real lives that young people are living and does not factor in the needs of girls, young women and LGBT+ people,” said Rachel Krys, co-director of campaign group End Violence Against Women.

“Instead it puts far too much emphasis on the concerns of traditional and conservative voices,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Other critics cited a lack of clarity on LGBT+ topics and abusive relationships and took issue with the leeway given to religious schools to teach a “distinctive faith perspective on relationships”.

The Department for Education said the new draft guidance would ensure children were taught “age-appropriate content”.

“We will reflect on feedback from the consultation to make sure the draft guidance is clear and supports all young people,” said a spokesman. Read more via Reuters