15 March 2000
The Muslim Council of Britain is deeply concerned about Government plans to replace Section 28 with weak guidelines.
The Government says it will include a requirement for sex education guidelines in an amendment to its “Learning and Skills Bill”. The contents of the amendment and the guidelines have been widely leaked to the media. The proposals have been drawn up by the Department of Education in consultation with a small number of Christian leaders. The Muslim Council of Britain was not consulted, despite its firm opposition to repeal.
The Government is saying it wants to promote marriage, while at the same time repealing a law that will result in the promotion of homosexuality. The repeal of Section 28 tramples on the rights of parents to have their children educated in accordance with their religious beliefs.
The wording of the proposed guidelines will open the way for homosexual lifestyles to be taught as equal to heterosexual marriage. The guidelines say that children should learn about the significance of marriage and “stable relationships” as a key building block of society. This is giving legitimacy to so-called “gay families” and “gay marriage” through the back door.
The proposed new guidelines only cover Local Education Authorities, whereas Section 28 covers all departments of a Local Authority. This would mean that councils would be free to spend public money on homosexual youth groups, homosexual youth workers, and homosexual festivals. Ordinary people do not want to see councils spending public funds in this way.
Speaking today the Secretary General of the MCB, Iqbal Sacranie, said: “The Government says it wants to support marriage, but these guidelines make a mockery of such a claim. This amendment does nothing to allay the fears of Muslim parents and all those who believe in genuine family values. Instead, it continues to undermine the very foundation of family relationships.”
END