French schools will introduce mandatory sex education classes covering topics such as consent, gender identity and online pornography from September, despite opposition from conservative groups.
However the reforms reduce discussion of gender identity and delay it until high school following backlash that gathered more than 80,000 petition signatures.
The latest version of the curriculum will be presented on Wednesday to the Higher Education Council (CSE), which includes representatives from teachers' unions and parent associations.
Though French law has required schools to provide three sex education sessions annually since 2001, this requirement has rarely been enforced.
Age-adapted programme
"Education about love, about relationships and sexuality is absolutely essential," Education Minister Elisabeth Borne told France Inter. "The programme is very careful to provide quality information that is adapted to a pupil's age."
The curriculum takes a staged approach. Primary school lessons will focus on emotions, body awareness and family structures, while middle and high school students will cover topics such as puberty, consent and sexual health.
For young children in primary school, lessons will focus on emotions and the basics of consent. Students will learn about personal boundaries through everyday scenarios, such as asking permission before sitting next to someone.
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Family structures – including single-parent, same-sex parent and blended families – will also be discussed.
In middle school, students will learn about puberty, gender stereotypes and the risks of online pornography. Older students will discuss topics such as sexual violence, relationships and personal identity.
In high school, topics will include consent, gender identity and self-image. Students will explore how biological sex and gender identity are addressed in society. The programme also aims to combat discrimination.
Conservative opposition
The proposed changes have sparked resistance, particularly over the inclusion of gender identity.
"Sex education is not in the best interest of children," said SOS Education, a conservative group linked to the Catholic Church, which has gathered more than 80,000 signatures against the reform.
"Schools should start by teaching each child to read, write, reflect, respect authority and to accept that others may think differently, and be different, from them," the group said.
In response to criticism, Borne's team has revised the syllabus, reducing references to gender identity from 15 mentions in an earlier draft to seven.
The new guidelines state that gender identity discussions will now only take place in high school.
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Political division
The programme has already caused divisions within French politics.
Former minister delegate for academic success, Alexandre Portier, publicly rejected an earlier draft last year, though his position was later disavowed by senior officials.
The final version acknowledges parental concerns, explicitly stating that sex education "does not aim to take the place of pupils' parents and families".
"This programme is indispensable," said Borne.
The guidelines are set to take effect in September across all French schools, including private institutions.
