Extract from Commons
statement on Relationships and Sex Education
(Ashton-under-Lyne)
(Lab):...The Secretary of State will know there are
concerns, particularly in the Jewish and Muslim communities, about
both his Department and Ofsted, and I am sure we both want our
education system to reflect the diversity of our
country and provide the opportunity to learn more about it. But can
he also be absolutely clear that his guidance does not permit
teaching that could be hostile or damaging to LGBT young people in
particular?
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Extract from Westminster
Hall debate on a petition relating to Relationships and Sex
Education
(Henley) (Con):...In
making these remarks I have been advised by
the Jewish Community Council and the
Torah Education Committee, which run a number of
Orthodox Jewish schools. It should be
taken as a positive sign that they have reached out, because they
are concerned about the effects of the regulations and would like
to work with the Government to take them forward. Above all, it is
important to remember that we are not asking them to tear up the
Torah in order to take this forward. We are asking them to work
with the Government to come to a proper
solution...
(Birmingham, Ladywood)
(Lab):...If a school does carry out a consultation, the
question is who decides what is appropriate and what is not. What
happens when you have conflicting views between different sets of
parents? That is particularly important in respect of religious
backgrounds. As a member of a faith community myself, I can tell
the House that we are not all the same. There are many
differences of opinion between religious groups—between different
groups of Muslims—on what is appropriate.
I welcome those from faith communities who are watching this
debate from the Public Gallery. I hope they will not mind me
noting that many are from the Orthodox Jewish community. There is an
interpretation of religious texts within the Jewish community
that leads people to what is described as an orthodox set of
values and beliefs. There is also a self-described modern,
progressive and reform end of the Jewish community, as there is in the
Muslim and Christian communities—in all faith communities, in
fact...
(Sutton and Cheam)
(Con): In talking about the need to update the rules,
does my hon. Friend agree that it is important to take into
consideration the views of the orthodox Jewish faith, which we
have heard about, and of the Muslim faith, such as the Sutton
Central Masjid, which has lobbied me? As we heard from the hon.
Member for Warrington North (Helen Jones), we also need to make
sure that young children can learn the actuality, rather than
relying on the internet or their peers in the playground.
(Congleton)
(Con): My hon. Friend is right. Many organisations and
schools have said that for years, including the Catholic
Education Service, which has been a leading advocate of
relationships-based education for some time, the Relationships
Alliance and the Centre for Social Justice...
Mr (Bury South) (Ind):
Will the hon. Lady join me in welcoming the Chief Rabbi’s clarity
in saying that all Jewish schools, including orthodox schools,
must make it clear that there is zero tolerance of any bullying
or discrimination against LGBT+ students? That moral clarity from
religious leaders, especially orthodox religious leaders, is
incredibly important in sending the right messages to schools.
The hon. Lady is making an excellent speech, but what weight does
she give religious freedom in the context of this debate?
(Brighton, Pavilion)
(Green): I very much welcome the statement from the
Chief Rabbi about stamping out bullying on any ground, including
LGBT. That is an incredibly strong call, and it is very
important. In terms of weighing religious freedoms with the
rights of the child, I still do not see a contradiction. We are
talking about keeping children safe and ensuring they have the
confidence they need to be able to raise concerns. I do not see
why there has to be a contradiction in terms of religious belief.
I hope we can find a way through. I think there are a number of
misconceptions about what RSE is about. It absolutely is not
about any kind of preferred lifestyle or indoctrination. At its
best, hopefully, it is about a shared exploration with parents
and teachers to keep our children safe...
(Oldham East and
Saddleworth) (Lab):...The reality is that hate crime,
including against Jews, Muslims, disabled people, gay people and
other minorities, is on the rise. There is evidence from
Stonewall that nearly half of LGBT pupils are bullied at school
for being LGBT. That has a dreadful effect on their mental
health, which includes one in eight attempting to take their own
life. We have seen some horrendous videos of Muslim schoolgirls
having their hijabs pulled off by baying mobs of their peers. I
have been told about adults shouting abuse
at Jewish children as they make their
way to school...
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