Children’s books promoting same-sex relationships could be used in primary schools across Scotland if marriage is redefined.
Stonewall Scotland, a homosexual lobby group, recommends a number of “picture and story books for primary schools”.
Critics warn that redefining marriage would pile pressure on teachers to use such books.
Penguin
One of the books recommended for five to seven-year-olds, And Tango Makes Three, is about a penguin chick raised by two male penguins.
In another of the books, Daddy’s Roommate, a boy describes his father’s relationship with his male roommate.
And another of the books features two princes who fall in love and live happily ever after as King and King.
Dismissed
Legal advice obtained by Scotland for Marriage indicates that teachers who refuse to use such storybooks because they conflict with their religious beliefs could be dismissed.
And it warns that parents with “traditional and often religiously-based views” would be “hard pressed” to rely on European human rights laws to ensure that their children are educated in accordance with their beliefs.
Mike Judge, spokesman for The Christian Institute, said: “Under sex education rules, schools must tell children about marriage. If the legal definition of marriage is changed, there will be political pressure for books like this to be used.
Children
“Our legal advice is that teachers could be disciplined if they refuse to use the resources. Parents may also find it difficult to withdraw children from classes.”
But Colin Macfarlane of Stonewall Scotland said: “No one would be required to do anything in relation to same-sex marriage that they are not already required to do with regard to civil partnerships.”
A spokesman for the SNP-led Government insisted that it would protect religious freedom.
He added: “Same-sex marriage will not be promoted through the curriculum.”
Opposition
The Scottish Government revealed that it intended to plough ahead with its plans to redefine marriage despite strong opposition.
The SNP-led Government wants to amend the Equality Act to protect those who believe in traditional marriage.
But the legal opinion by Aidan O’Neill QC, a leading human rights lawyer, makes clear this won’t be enough.