Objections to contemporary practice in sex education are examined in t
he light of recent calk; by Muslim leaders in Britain for Muslim paren
ts to withdraw their children from sex education classes. The dilemma
facing liberal policy makers is discussed, as they seek to reconcile t
he public interest, the wishes of parents with a wide diversity a beli
efs and values and the perceived needs of children, and the paper conc
ludes with a consideration of how far it is possible to develop an app
roach to sex education in the common school which is broadly acceptabl
e to all groups, including minorities such as Muslims.