The BHA is mobilising its supporters to help to ensure concerns about new religious Academies are raised in Parliament when MPs debate the Academies Bill for its “second reading” on Monday 19th July.
The BHA has been working closely with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group to investigate the potential impact of new religious Academies that will be created as a result of the Bill. The BHA has identified a number of areas – such us admissions, employment and curriculum – where the Bill could significantly increase the power and influence of religious groups in the schools system. BHA supporters have begun writing to their MPs to urge them to raise these issues.
The member action follows the release of an ICM poll commissioned by the BHA which found that 72% of the public were concerned that the Academies Bill could lead to public money being used to promote religion.
BHA Head of Public Affairs Naomi Phillips said:
“The Government is attempting to steamroller this legislation through Parliament so we have very little time to make an impact. What’s at stake is the very principle of inclusive education which ensures a broad-based and objective education to all children, regardless of their parents’ beliefs.”
“Campaigns work best when persuasive arguments are backed by strong public support. It is vital that everyone concerned about the expansion of religious Academies contacts their MP as soon as possible.”
Notes
Email your MP about the Academies Bill
For further comment or information, contact Naomi on 020 7079 3585.
Read the BHA’s briefing for the Commons Second Reading of the Academies Bill.
Read the full results of the ICM poll on religious Academies.