Lords in move to ban explicit sex lessons

Peers were set to clash with MPs today by demanding a ban on explicit sex education in schools.

Labour whips warned the Government faces defeat in a vote which follows attempts to abolish the controversial Section 28, which bans the promotion of homosexuality.

The scrapping of Section 28 was backed overwhelmingly in the Commons but a crossparty group of peers wants tougher controls on teaching in schools to take its place.

A new law giving parents the right to complain about "unacceptable"-material is expected to be backed.

Supporters say it is needed because of a rash of highly explicit booklets produced for children as young as 11.

Ministers fears it could lead to a ban on lessons in safe sex. They are expected to take out the peers' amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons. But, if the Lords and MPs cannot agree, the entire Bill could be lost.