{
  "id": 1234506,
  "title": "Saudi Arabia Removes Negative Portrayal of LGBTQ+ From Textbooks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/saudi-arabia-removes-negative-portrayal-of-lgbtq-from-textbooks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T07:50:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/08/16/saudi-arabia-removes-negative-portrayal-of-lgbtq-from-textbooks/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Saudi Arabia has revised parts of its school curriculum to eliminate negative portrayals of LGBTQ+, marking a shift towards Western gender inclusivity. The update involves revisions or removals of lessons that once endorsed traditional gender hierarchies or employed discriminatory language regarding gender and sexual orientation. Notably, a Grade 11 Islamic Studies textbook underwent changes. Earlier iterations of the textbook asked students to explain why the Saudi government had refused to legalize homosexuality. The lesson also described homosexuality as a \"sexual perversion\" and associated it with groups allegedly aiming to undermine Islam. However, the revised textbook has now removed that inquiry and the accompanying negative language. Moreover, several lessons that portrayed traditional gender roles hierarchically have either been altered or removed from the curriculum. This revision does not imply Saudi Arabia has altered its laws or official policies concerning homosexuality.",
  "summary": "Saudi Arabia has revised parts of its school curriculum to remove negative portrayals of LGBTQ+, continuing a shift toward Western … Read More The post Saudi Arabia Removes Negative Portrayal of LGBTQ+ From Textbooks appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}