Northern Ireland relationship and sex education (RSE) plans: Almost 500 people attend event addressing concerns over Chris Heaton-Harris' plans for NI schools

"This was a personal campaign, it was not a party event because I wanted to be able to reach as many people as possible," the MLA said. "And you know, we had people there from all faiths and none. We had Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, atheists, republicans and unionists - you name it, and they were there.

"Most people who attended were from the wider Portadown area but we also had people coming from Bangor to Ballinamallard. I couldn't couldn't believe how well it was supported."

The panel for the evening included Dr Andrew Brown, a senior lecturer from Stranmillis College; James Martin, Principal of Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn; Callum Webster, NI Representative of the Christian Institute and Marion Woods, a campaigner with pro-life group Both Lives Matter. The event was chaired by DUP MLA Paul Givan.

In June Chris Heaton-Harris announced he was compeling the Department of Education to roll out compulsory sex education plans for all post-primary schools in NI based on recommendations for the Province from a New York based committee of the UN. The main focus is to educate all post primary children on using contraception and abortion to prevent pregnancies.

His plans have been severely criticized by a House of Lords committee for failing to include a normal public consultation. They have also been criticised for explicitly excluding any discussions about faith or ethics - which by contrast are a statutory requirement in RSE in England.

The curriculum includes sexual consent, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, healthy and respectful sexual relationships, marriage, LQBTQ+ issues, abstinence, menstrual health and wellbeing and social media and online safety.

Mr Buckley said many parents raised concerns with the panel about their rights to exempt their children from lessons. The Department is planning to allow parents to exempt their children from contraception and abortion sections only.

But he said there was also major concern from teachers who were concerned that teaching some of the material would run against their conscience - and what the RSE policy would look like in 5-10 years.

"The panel noted that it is actually the Board of Governors that employ the teachers and principal, and it will be a duty for them to give due regard to issues in the future regarding teacher's concerns and parental concerns," he added.

He is not planning any further events at this time, but said he expected groups such as the Evangelical Alliance and Christian Institute to do so.