The Christian Institute, a charity seeking to promote the Christian faith in the UK, has criticised the video in a report entitled Sex Lessons for Kids, which argues for tougher laws to "protect children".

Gloucestershire County Council said the video was made in 1999 to encourage discussion by sixth formers about the facts of homosexuality.

Called Beyond a Phase, it uses role play so young people can examine their reaction to homosexuality and the surrounding stereotypes.

It needs to be taught as a controversial subject, because it is a controversial subject at large Mike Judge Christian Institute

But Mike Judge from the Christian Institute claimed the video encouraged younsters to experiment when choosing a sexual partner.

He told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "This video says try experimenting with other boys and girls and see who you feel most comfortable with.

"There is room for an objective discussion of homosexuality and what it is.

"If it is going to be taught, it needs to be taught as a controversial subject, because it is a controversial subject at large."

The Institute said the issue was not whether the video was actually shown, but that the Council recommended what it described as "unsuitable and inappropriate" material.

Sexual orientation

A spokesperson for the County Council told BBC News Online: "The video is a resource for teachers that would not necessarily be shown as a whole, and would only be used with sixth formers."

The video was produced by Avon Health Promotion and subsequently listed as a resource for sex education in Gloucestershire schools.

No schools in the county have actually used the video and it has now been superceded by more recent information, the council said.

The spokesperson added: "Schools have a responsibility to cater for the social well-being of all of their pupils, whatever their sexual orientation.

"It is vital that all students are aware of the issues facing young people who may be confused about their sexuality or who are, in fact, gay or lesbian."