Police were called to a council meeting on school sex education, which left the public evicted and several women in tears.
A graphic leaflet issued by opponents claimed the new policy, which is being rolled out across Wales, could introduce young children to a wide range of sexual ideas.
The Gwynedd Council emergency meeting was described as chaos.
But the leaflet’s claims have been dismissed by the Welsh Government as “full of misinformation” and “incorrect”.
Council members were held back in the plenary chamber at the end of the session for “security reasons”.
The drama unfolded at the council office in Caernarfon on Thursday night at a meeting called by five Gwynedd councillors.
They claimed that sex education policies could have “potentially very significant consequences for parents and children.”
It is due to be rolled out in schools across Wales in September as a compulsory part of the Relationship and Education curriculum. It is also subject to a judicial review later this year.
- Sex and religious education should become compulsory
- Second homes hotspot council sees vacant homes
- Sex education “should be part of women’s strategy”
But some parents have threatened to withdraw their children from schools as part of a campaign by the group Public Child Protection Wales (PCPW), according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which said it had “erupted in chaos”.
At the meeting, one of the five councillors, Louise Hughes, suggested that the council refer it “as a matter of urgency” for consideration, and was supported by another, Gruff Williams.
Ms Hughes said that since hearing about the syllabus she had “been unable to sleep” but “wanted to open an open and frank discussion in the spirit of freedom of expression”.
During her speech, which included descriptions of sexual acts and genitalia, she was asked several times to redirect her comments and said she was “out of order”.
Members of the audience clapped loudly and cheered her, but they shouted down and booed councilors who argued for the policy. They had argued it was to “protect children”.
Several warnings were issued to members of the public, interrupting those speaking in favor of the policy.
Education Councilor Beca Brown defended the policy, saying: “I fully support the education code set out by the Welsh Government.
“I want the kids of this county to feel confident about building healthy relationships; confident in setting boundaries, confident in saying no, and happy in their own skin.
“Respecting other people and respecting differences is paramount.”
When council member and teacher Dewi Jones delivered his impassioned speech, saying that “misleading information” had been disseminated, there was a loud public reaction.
CEO Dafydd Gibbard warned hecklers: “If there are any further interruptions, the gallery will be cleared to make everything feel safe.”
Shortly thereafter, a man rose from his seat and shouted his disapproval, prompting others to join.
The meeting then ended abruptly and several female members of the public left the room crying.
Police were called in and after a short break the meeting resumed.
Mrs Hughes’ proposal to refer the matter for consideration was voted 19 in favour, 1 abstention and 30 against.
The meeting then ended abruptly as the public on the gallery was cleared of police and council officials.
Council members remained in the chamber until the area was cleared.
The Welsh Government described the booklet as “full of misinformation and unproven false claims” and said children “only learn subjects that are appropriate to their age and development”.
Add Comment