Controversial Sexual Education Program Incites Tensions and Arsons in Belgium: Government Takes Action

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Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced last Friday that he will consult government specialists on extremism following a spate of arson attacks on schools. The incidents are believed to be related to a contentious sexual education initiative known as the Evras program.

The announcement came shortly after the torching of a sixth educational institution in the French-speaking region of Wallonia this week. Authorities found signs decrying the Evras program at some of the burned schools.

The Evras program, now mandatory, provides four hours of instructional training for students aged between 11-12 and 15-16. Its goal is to assist young people in developing healthy relational and sexual lives. While the program has existed for years as an optional offering for all age groups, it has recently become compulsory.

Prime Minister De Croo stated unequivocally, “In a democratic society like ours, we cannot allow our educational institutions to be attacked. While we are a nation that values tolerance and open debate, such dialogue should never escalate into violence, especially in settings frequented by children.”

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Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden also demanded an immediate cessation of these attacks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister De Croo. “Our schools are off-limits. This is a non-negotiable red line,” Verlinden stressed.

In response to the arsons, De Croo has directed the intelligence body responsible for terrorism, extremism, and radicalization to assess the current situation. Verlinden has likewise called upon federal police forces to bolster local enforcement in the affected areas.

Thus far, no individual or group has taken responsibility for the fires, and no arrests have been made. Approximately 100,000 students in the Wallonia-Brussels federation are mandated to participate in the Evras program’s two sessions, totaling four hours.

Public demonstrations, albeit modest in size, have occurred in Brussels. Furthermore, multiple Islamic organizations released a collective statement expressing concerns that the Evras program could contribute to the “hypersexualization” of minors.

Speculation and misinformation regarding the nature of the Evras program are proliferating online. In response, De Croo noted that Belgium has been providing sexual education for 50 years and has no intention of regressing. “It serves not only as the foundation for sexual health but also equips our youth with an understanding of their rights and bodily autonomy,” De Croo stated.

Education Minister for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Caroline Desir, also sought to quell the circulating rumors about the program, saying, “I urge everyone to refrain from succumbing to falsehoods about the Evras system. It neither fosters pedophilia nor encourages children to change gender or engage in sexual activities.”

In a related development, local media outlets have cited the prosecutor’s office in the city of Charleroi, stating that thus far, no direct connections have been established among the six arson attacks. Charleroi Mayor Paul Magnette likened the incidents to “a variant of terrorism,” asserting, “Schools are sanctuaries for learning respect and tolerance.”

Finally, reports have emerged that two additional schools in the Wallonia-based city of Liege have also been subject to vandalism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Belgium School Arsons and Sexual Education Controversy

More about Belgium School Arsons and Sexual Education Controversy

• Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s Official Statement
• Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden’s Press Conference
• Wallonia-Brussels Federation Education Minister Caroline Desir’s Remarks
• Joint Statement from Islamic Organizations on the Evras Program
• Charleroi Prosecutor’s Office Investigation Update
• Public Protests in Brussels: News Coverage
• Misinformation and Rumors Surrounding the Evras Program: Fact-Checking Reports
• Federal Police Involvement in Wallonia: Official Announcement
• Overview of the Evras Program: Educational Policy Document
• Paul Magnette, Mayor of Charleroi, on School Arsons: Interview