Teaching LGTB+ relationships in school
In the U.K. there is a debate raging on regarding a Birmingham primary school (aged 5-13 years) teaching about LGBT+ relationships in lessons. There is nothing graphic (not sex ed) but lessons about how some people have two mums or two dads etc and the basis is on love and acceptance.
This has caused a massive backlash in the community as the majority of pupils at this school are Muslim, for whom homosexuality etc is sinful.
There are now protests outside the school, death threats being made to teachers, criminal damage etc.
Muslim parents are saying that it should be their choice to teach their children about LGBT+ relationships- if they wish to teach them at all.
A lot of the families who have been interviewed at the protests have travelled to the U.K. from places like Kashmir, fleeing war etc.
It’s worth pointing out also that in 2020, the law is going to be changed so that all schools must teach equality and diversity and LGBT+ education, so it will become compulsory regardless.
So this poses a couple of questions-
1) Is it too young to be teaching kids about LGBT+ relationships in primary school? (Regardless of beliefs)
2) With such a backlash from the Muslim community, it is more important than ever to teach these kids about all relationships to prepare them for life in modern Britain, knowing that they are unlikely to be taught by their conservative parents?
3) Do the families/parents have a right to protest against the education their children are being given, having fled from a war torn country and being allowed to settle in the U.K. (with all the safety and opportunity this offers them?)
4) Should this just be left to parents to teach anyway, regardless of your religion/stance?
I would like to point out that I am open minded and believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion, regardless of race, religion, colour, creed etc. I’m not sure how I feel about this in general I.e is either side right?
What does everyone else think?
P.s there is no one article I’m referring to but if you want read more then Google ‘Anderton Primary Birmingham’
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