Christian charity’s publication helps parents debunk Equality Act myths in schools

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Schools have become the frontline for pressure groups eager to promote highly controversial views. Often this is done by claiming ‘the Equality Act says so’, leaving schools feeling they have no alternative but to comply. When it comes to beliefs on transgenderism or same-sex marriage, Christian parents and pupils who take a different view are left feeling marginalised.

In response, The Christian Institute today launches Equipped for equality – a guide to what schools can and can’t do in the name of equality and human rights law. The Institute anticipates strong demand for the new publication.

Equipped for equality helps parents separate the fact from the fiction, empowering them to have constructive conversations with schools based on a thorough, reliable examination of the law.

It debunks the myths surrounding what schools in England, Scotland and Wales are required to do because of the Equality Act. And it spells out the legal protections afforded to pupils and parents.

In just 32 pages a whole host of examples shed light on this often confusing area of law. From free speech to bullying, compulsory Pride marches to accommodating transgender pupils, it gives clear guidance on what is and isn’t lawful. There’s even a handy ‘Where to look’ section to point busy parents to the scenario closest to their experience.

Institute Director Colin Hart said: “We believe that schools should respect all their pupils. But sadly this respect doesn’t always extend to Christians. Every month dozens of parents and teachers contact our Education and Legal Departments. Three quarters of the cases are about the one-sided promotion of LGBT ideology.

“Equipped for equality is the first in a series of free publications we’re producing to begin addressing these issues.

“I’m delighted to make it available to parents, pupils and anyone else who is concerned that equality and human rights law should be applied correctly – especially in schools.

“The Equality Act and the Human Rights Act are meant to protect the rights of all. Instead they are being used to marginalise parents and pupils who express any qualms about the widespread promotion of LGBT ideology in schools. Equality law is intended as a shield to protect people, but instead is being used by some as a sword to attack others.

“There is a myth that the law gives LGBT rights supremacy over all other rights. It doesn’t. Tolerance is a two-way street.”

Equipped for equality sets out five lines of argument:

– Equality law requires schools to protect, not promote
– Respecting people does not require agreement
– Schools must educate, not indoctrinate
– Schools cannot compel thought and expression
– Schools must balance the rights of transgender pupils with the rights of others

Mr Hart added: “Equipped for equality goes a long way to redress some of the balance of rights that has been lost in recent years.

“Future publications will give more detail on transgenderism and Relationships and Sex Education. We also want to provide guidance for parents on how best to engage with schools.”