Statutory requirements

All primary schools are required to teach Relationships Education, this includes faith schools.

The legislation makes it clear that all schools should approach Relationships Education in a faith sensitive and inclusive way, seeking to explain fairly the tenets and varying interpretations of religious communities on matters of sex and relationships, and teach these viewpoints with respect. The Church of England Education Office supports the approach taken by the government, including recommending an age-appropriate provision of sex education at primary level.

Schools are required to have a policy published on their website, setting out how they intend to approach Relationships Education. Any primary school choosing to teach Sex Education – which is recommended by the DfE but not required by the law – must have a policy on this and should consult with parents.

The Public Sector Equality Duty requires all schools to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between people. And the Equality Act 2010 lists gender, gender reassignment, and sexual orientation as protected characteristics, as well as religion or belief. This means that all schools have a duty to make sure that their students are not discriminated against based on these characteristics.

Parental concerns

As above, schools should consult with parents and carers about the intended curriculum for Relationships Education. Most of the concerns that parents and carers have come from a place of missunderstanding and misconceptions. Research has shown that parents and carers are worried that LGBTQ+ inclusive education means discussions about ‘gay sex’ - it needs to be made clear that this is not the reality of it.

We recommend letting parents and carers view the books and resources that you plan to use with children and demonstrate what a ‘typical’ Relationships Education lesson might look like. Allow the opportunity for parents and carers to ask questions (this could be in a group, 1-1, or anonymously using a ‘query box’).

Remind parents and carers that, whilst religious beliefs and individual circumstances will be taken into consideration when delivering the content, LGBTQ+ people have the same rights as non-LGBTQ+ people under British Law. Remind parents that anti-discrimination is based on justice, a value held by all religions.

protests

Whilst it was deeply saddening to see the protests about LGBTQ+ inclusion, it is important to remember that this happened in a very small number of schools. These protests were isolated incidents that happened because parents were not informed about what was being taught in their children’s schools. Prior to teaching, schools must consult with parents and publish the subject policy online.

We know that lots of faith schools and faith leaders are very supportive of LGBTQ+ inclusive education so it’s important that generalisations are not made based on what is being reported in the media.

Stonewall Recommendations

For more information on LGBTQ+ faith groups, see the below websites:

LGBTQ+ Muslim groups, Hidayah and Imaan. You can also contact the Muslim Youth Helpline.

LGBTQ+ Jewish group, Keshet UK.

LGBTQ+ Christian group, One Body One Faith

LGBTQ+ Catholic group, Quest.