Battling Consensus: Paraguay's Sex Ed Curriculum Sparks Conservatives' Triumph

Paraguay's recent development of a sex education curriculum for its schools has left many surprised, particularly those who advocate for children's rights and sexual health. While it's a step forward for the country, which has traditionally avoided discussions about sex, the curriculum's content has sparked strong reactions. The 12-book series, aimed at students from preschool to high school, focuses on abstinence, biblical teachings, and the importance of marriage. It warns against the use of condoms and failure to emphasize sexual orientation or gender identity. For Paraguay's conservative and evangelical communities, the curriculum represents a long-awaited victory in their attempts to protect traditional values. Miguel Ortigoza, an evangelical pastor and proponent of the curriculum, believes it will help promote healthy relationships and strong family bonds. However, critics argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes, emphasizing gender roles and diminishing the importance of sexual orientation. The lack of inclusivity in the curriculum has also been a point of contention. It does not address the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, and its silence on the topic has led to widespread criticism. Sex education is not a new concept in Paraguay, but the lack of comprehensive knowledge has led to high rates of teenage pregnancy. In this country, where information about sex is often shrouded in secrecy, the consequences can be devastating. Diana Zalazar, who became pregnant at 14, remembers feeling confused and ashamed about her sexuality. She believes that the lack of sex education in Paraguay led to her situation. Diana, now 39, has become an advocate for children's rights and has spoken about the importance of comprehensive sex education. While the new curriculum has sparked debate, some experts believe that the conservative backlash may be rooted in a deeper fear of change. Adriana Closs, president of Feipar, a group promoting comprehensive education, suggests that politicians are exploiting fears to consolidate power. Challenges persist in Paraguay, where political instability and the rise of the far-right have led to widespread social tensions. The country's history, marked by dictatorship and autocratic traditions, has left deep scars. Esteban Caballero, a research group adviser, believes that Paraguay is particularly vulnerable to globalist conspiracies and worried by non-binary identities. This situation highlights the importance of inclusive education, advocating for an inclusive and comprehensive approach to address the complexities of sexual education.