'Islam is not against the sex education'

'Islam is not against the sex education'

Agencies

Posted online: Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 1443 hrs IST

New Delhi, April 13:
Terming the Government's plan to introduce sex education in lower classes as ‘against the basic tenets’ f Islam, prominent Muslim bodies have demanded roll back of the proposal.

The demand to withdrawal of sex education from primary and middle classes was raised at a conference, held under the banner of 'Islamic Fiqh Academy', in which prominent Muslim groups voiced unhappiness over the government's decision.

"Islam is not against the sex education. In fact, madrasas do provide sex education to students above 14 years," Nadir Al Qazim, a senior cleric at the 'Islamic Fiqh Academy' said.

He, however, said it was not proper to impart sex education to students below 14 years of age.

"The ideal time to start teaching children about sex-related issues is when biology is introduced in their curriculum," Amin Usmani, Secretary of the Academy, said.

The conference felt that though the experiment was aimed at containing the HIV/AIDS, the step might have adverse effect among youngsters.

"There are chances that teachers might also exploit students in the name of imparting sex-education," Usmani said.

Highlighting the need to retain ‘Indian values’ among students, the conference was of the view that providing moral education will better serve the purpose of tackling sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS.

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'Islam is not against the sex education' Agencies Posted online: Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 1443 hrs IST New Delhi, April 13: Terming the Government's plan to introduce sex education in lower classes as ‘against the basic tenets’ f Islam, prominent Muslim bodies have demanded roll back of the proposal. The demand to withdrawal of sex education from primary and middle classes was raised at a conference, held under the banner of 'Islamic Fiqh Academy', in which prominent Muslim groups voiced unhappiness over the government's decision. "Islam is not against the sex education. In fact, madrasas do provide sex education to students above 14 years," Nadir Al Qazim, a senior cleric at the 'Islamic Fiqh Academy' said. He, however, said it was not proper to impart sex education to students below 14 years of age. "The ideal time to start teaching children about sex-related issues is when biology is introduced in their curriculum," Amin Usmani, Secretary of the Academy, said. The conference felt that though the experiment was aimed at containing the HIV/AIDS, the step might have adverse effect among youngsters. "There are chances that teachers might also exploit students in the name of imparting sex-education," Usmani said. Highlighting the need to retain ‘Indian values’ among students, the conference was of the view that providing moral education will better serve the purpose of tackling sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS.