About 1,500 people gathered in Brussels to voice their opposition to the new mandatory lesson on sexual relations in Belgian schools, according to Belga. Demonstrators formed in the city center, carrying banners reading “No to EVRAS.” EVRAS is the shorthand for the newly required course titled Education in the Field of Sexual Relations and Sexuality, a program introduced for discussion and learning in schools. Participants urged the resignation of the Belgian Minister of Education, expressing frustration with the government’s direction on school curricula.
Earlier reports indicated that tensions had escalated in Charleroi, where several schools were set ablaze amid the rollout of the new compulsory course addressing gender and sexual orientation. The incidents added to the debate surrounding the reform, highlighting concerns from various quarters about how sensitive topics are taught in classrooms and how safety and school operations are maintained during transitions.
The controversial course, now part of the standard curriculum, runs for two hours and is scheduled to become compulsory for students aged 11 to 12 and those aged 15 to 16 this year. Proponents of the program say the curriculum is designed to address important questions young people may have on topics such as sexism, sexual violence, and gender stereotypes, providing a structured, age-appropriate framework for discussion and learning. They argue that formal instruction helps prevent misinformation and builds a foundation for healthy attitudes and informed choices in adolescence.
In related online chatter, the Baza Telegram channel previously reported that individuals in Moscow organized something described as a network event called the Sex School for girls aged 10 and 11. The claim appeared in coverage around ongoing debates about how early sex education is addressed and who oversees such programs, underscoring the broader international interest and concern surrounding youth education and safety online.
There was also mention of a pause or suspension regarding the European Sex Championship due to organizational issues. The disruption in that event adds to a wider discourse on how European communities manage and regulate activities connected to topics of sexuality and education, as well as how authorities respond to logistical challenges in large-scale programs and competitions.
Overall, the Belgian debate over EVRAS reflects a broader conversation about what children should learn in school, the timing of such content, and the roles of educators, policymakers, and parents. As schools adapt to new guidelines, communities are watching closely to see how curricula evolve, how incidents are handled, and how the right balance between informative education and safeguarding students can be achieved in a rapidly changing landscape.