Position of the Polish Bishops' Conference towards the planned subject of Health Education

Position
of the Polish Bishops' Conference
towards the planned subject of Health Education

Today, when a heated discussion is sweeping through Poland about what young Poles should learn at school, we refer to a document that takes precedence over other laws in our country. The Constitution of the Republic of Poland states:

"Parents have the right to bring up their children in accordance with their own convictions. This upbringing should take into account the maturity of the child, as well as the child's freedom of conscience and religion and his or her beliefs. Parents have the right to provide their children with moral and religious upbringing and teaching in accordance with their convictions" (Articles 48 and 53).

In this context, the Health Education subject being prepared by the Ministry of National Education as a compulsory subject contradicts the Basic Law. Despite some legitimate topics, such as the potential dangers on the Internet or the sharing of children's images, the depraving provisions on sex education are unacceptable. Sexual education according to the Constitution remains the responsibility of parents, not the state.

The consulted regulation of the Ministry of National Education, especially concerning the shape of sex education at school, violates the law in force in Poland, infringes on parents' rights to decide about their children and threatens the proper development of children and young people.

Thinking of the well-being of children, the rights of parents and Polish society, we insist that changes be made in a spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and with respect for the law.

We thank parents, grandmothers, grandfathers, chaplains, teachers, catechists, guardians and social organisations that are involved in the proper development and upbringing of children and young people.

Jasna Góra, 22 November 2024