A new petition demanding the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ topics from school curricula in Luxembourg has ignited significant backlash, with organisations like Rosa Lëtzebuerg and CIGALE condemning the move and emphasising the importance of diverse education.

A new petition demanding the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ topics from school curricula in Luxembourg continues sparking significant controversy and backlash. The petition, which went online only last Saturday, argues that LGBTQIA+ topics should be entirely removed from school education aimed at minors. It has already gathered over 5,200 signatures, surpassing the 4,500-signature threshold needed to prompt a public debate in the Chamber of Deputies.

"We are appalled by this petition", stated Rosa Lëtzebuerg, a long-standing LGBTQIA+ organisation, on social media. The organisation emphasised that schools have a duty to educate about society in all its diversity and condemned the petition's aim to render queer people invisible.

CIGALE, another LGBTQIA+ support centre, also expressed its discontent with the petition. The centre reminded the public via social networks that it offers support to those who have experienced hate or discrimination. Their services are available from 12 to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Luxembourg MEPs weigh in

Luxembourg MEPs Tilly Metz and Marc Angel have expressed strong disapproval of the petition. Metz, a member of the Greens/EFA group and of the LGBTQIA+ intergroup, and Angel, from the Social-Democrat group and co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ intergroup, are the only Luxembourg representatives in the intergroup.

Tilly Metz criticised the situation, stating, "Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated love in the streets of Luxembourg, and now over 5,000 signatories want minors to be deprived of their right to information about different types of human relationships. This is absurd."

MEP Metz emphasised the importance of upholding European values and applying them in Luxembourg to prevent future discrimination. She stressed the need for ongoing collaboration with civil society to promote awareness and ensure that no one is excluded from Luxembourg society.

Marc Angel also voiced his concerns, expressing that he is "deeply shocked" by the petition's challenge to the fundamental rights of children "in such a populist manner and under false pretences." Angel went on to say that the petition "saddens and angers" him, condemning it as an attempt to undermine modern values and revert to "patriarchal thought patterns and social structures." He concluded by stressing that "we must resolutely oppose this."