MPs vote through first stage of ‘abstinence education for girls’ Sex Education Bill

MPs have voted 67 - 61 in favour of a controversial Bill introduced by Conservative MP Nadine Dorries, which wants schools to ensure that sex education for girls includes ‘information and advice on the benefits of abstinence from sexual activity’. At this first stage debated today, Wednesday 4th May, the Bill was supported in the vote by a number of MP members of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, an influential and socially conservative group within the Party. The British Humanist Association (BHA) has described the vote as ‘disheartening’ and has stated that ‘abstinence education does