It's good to remind ourselves of this from time to time. Since 2001, the law mandates at least three annual sessions on emotional, relational, and sexual education (Evars) in schools, colleges, and high schools. On paper, it's an ambitious program: gender equality, respect for the body, prevention of sexist and sexual violence… In reality, it's much less shiny.
In March 2023, an Ifop survey revealed that 17% of 15-24 year-olds had never attended any sessions during their schooling. In light of this finding, Planning Familial, Sidaction, and SOS Homophobie immediately turned to the justice system.
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The court has confirmed: the State has failed
On Tuesday, December 2, the administrative court of Paris recognized the State as guilty of "serious failure": sexual education has not been provided "systematically" before 2025, which is in total contradiction with the obligations set by the legislator.
The three associations symbolically receive one euro in damages, but more importantly, a major political victory. They remind us that behind these missed sessions are weakened prevention efforts, students less equipped to face violence, and an education on equality that is largely incomplete.
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Is the situation really "resolved"?
While justice acknowledges the mistake, it does not issue any injunctions against the State. The reason? An Evars program was finally approved in January 2025 and will be implemented starting the 2025-2026 school year.
The Ministry of National Education is pleased, considering the situation to be now "satisfactory." However, the associations remain cautious. They still point out failures in staff training, budgets, and national management, and promise to stay "extremely vigilant."
For its part, the ministry promises a close monitoring of the actual number of sessions conducted and a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the school year. In short: the assignment is submitted, but the oversight continues.