Schools should be required to give children a positive portrayal of same-sex relationships, according to a major teachers’ union.
The National Union of Teachers (NUT) backed the promotion of LGBT History Month and an ‘LGBT inclusive’ curriculum at its annual conference in Harrogate this weekend.
However, The Christian Institute said it would force Christian teachers “to have to choose between their faith and their job”.
Intolerance
Following the union’s support for the LGBT motion, Christine Blower, the General Secretary of the NUT, said all parties standing for election in May should adopt its proposals.
“This includes making it compulsory for all schools’ sex education policies to include a positive portrayal of same sex relationships, promoting LGBT History Month in all schools, and encouraging schools to develop a curriculum that is inclusive of LGBT issues”, she stated.
Simon Calvert, The Christian Institute’s Deputy Director for Public Affairs, said: “This motion is itself an act of intolerance towards mainstream Christians and their beliefs.”
“I wonder whether Christian members of the NUT who have paid their dues can expect any help from the NUT when their jobs are on the line”, he added.
Respect
Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “The rights of groups who oppose gay marriage on sincere religious grounds should be respected as much as those who support gay marriage. Thought control should not be promoted by the NUT.”
Currently, local authority-run state secondary schools must offer sex and relationships education, but primary schools, academies and free schools are not required to do so.
In June last year a group of campaigners called for compulsory sex education in primary schools, including teaching about “LGBT equality”.