Costa Rican bishops slam sex-ed curriculum as propaganda

San José, Costa Rica, Aug 31, 2012 / 11:05 am

The bishops of Costa Rica have sharply criticized a sex-education curriculum recently approved by the government for promoting a "hedonistic" and ideological view of sexuality.

In an Aug. 27 statement, the bishops said the material's "insistence" on neutralizing gender and pushing "sexual diversity" is "so repetitive that...it's more about propaganda than education."

They also noted that the proposed sex-ed program – slated to go into effect in the country in 2013 –  lacks a comprehensive approach by ignoring the spiritual dimension of students, most of whom say they are Catholics.  

The bishops charged that the curriculum's supposed "fair solution" of allowing parents to decide whether or not to allow their children to attend is insufficient, noting that if "the program in itself is biased and morally and dangerous, it is so for all."

In contrast, the "Christian vision of sexuality could not be more positive," the bishops stated.

"It is a gift from God our Creator, and the human person, when using it correctly, is called to be like God, inasmuch as sexuality is meant by God to be a 'language of love' above all, and a means of producing life as well.  

"Love cannot be separated from life. Every person is called to fullness through self-donation in love," they noted.

The bishops urged officials to reconsider the proposed program and implement changes that will ensure students receive a truly comprehensive and healthy sexual education.