Press Notice

Public exhibition of controversial and explicit sex and drugs classroom resources recommended for use by Borders Council and the Scottish Executive

Tuesday 12 March 2002 (11am to 5pm)
Volunteer Hall, St John Street, Galashiels
Wednesday 13 March 2002 (11am to 5pm)
Ednam House Hotel, Bridge Street, Kelso

Councillors, headteachers and members of the public in the Borders will be able to see the controversial sex and drugs education materials banned from schools by four Councils but still recommended by the Scottish Executive. Two of the controversial materials are also recommended by Borders Council. The drugs lessons tell teachers not to adopt an anti-drugs approach and include games where children pretend to be drug dealers. Children are told that a few goes on crack is not necessarily addictive and that 'Most young people who use drugs come to little harm'.

The controversial materials have made national and local headlines throughout Scotland

The sex education materials feature lessons and role playing exercises which are sexually explicit, dealing with topics such as group sex, bondage and anal sex. For 'homework' children are asked to buy condoms from a chemist.

Four local councils have so far banned all or some of the Executive-backed resources after listening to concerns from parents and others. At Tuesdays exhibition:

• The materials will be available to be viewed, photographed and filmed along with an exhibition of the worst lessons.
  
  
• Staff from The Christian Institute will be available for interviews.
  
  
• Press cuttings on this long-running story from the national and regional press are available on request.
  

ENDS

For more information contact :
Iain Bainbridge (The Christian Institute) 0131 226 3555

Note for editors:
The Christian Institute is a charity which seeks to promote the Christian faith in the UK, giving a Christian perspective on moral and ethical issues

Charity No. 100 4774