The British Humanist Association has welcomed comments from Nick Clegg MP, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, about the urgent need to tackle homophobia in faith schools.
Asked whether his party would make it a legal requirement for schools, including faith schools, to teach that homosexuality is normal and harmless, he replied: “Yes – and crucially faith schools should have a requirement to have an anti-homophobic bullying policy at their school.”
BHA faith schools campaigns officer Paul Pettinger said ‘Homophobic bullying is an issue for all schools, but the evidence shows that it has a much higher incidence in faith schools than community schools.’
‘Last year the Government announced a number of positive changes to Personal, Social, Health and Economic education. However, we regret that schools will still be allowed to alter their approach to Sex and Relationship Education in accordance with its ethos, and we are particularly concerned how faith schools will now teach about crucial issues, such as different sexualities. We work with our supporters in Parliament, from all Parties, to urge legislative and other changes to tackle homophobia in the education system and elsewhere.’
Notes
Stonewall’s 2007 ‘The School Report’ showed that two thirds of young gay people at secondary schools have experienced homophobic bullying, but in faith schools that figure rises to three in four. The report also showed that lesbian and gay pupils who attended faith schools were 23% less likely to report bullying than those at non-faith schools.’ http://www.stonewall.org.uk/education_for_all/research/1790.asp
Nick Clegg was interviewed by Attitude Magazine.
For further comment or information, contact Paul Pettinger on 020 7462 4993.