On 25 March, The Values Foundation for Faith and Families in Education was launched in the Houses of Parliament.
Judith Nemeth, Executive Director of the multi-faith organisation, explained its three primary aims: to represent faith schools and their families (and anyone else with a traditional approach to family values) before government and its agencies; to open a debate on what British values are and so recover respect for faith in the public square; and to revisit the Equality Act of 2010, to resolve what happens legally when two or more protected characteristics clash. At present most of the protected characteristics will trump the seventh protected characteristic of religion or belief.
Not too late
On 27 March, Parliament approved the draft regulations (538 in favour, only 21 against) for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) which had been opposed by many people of faith. It opens the door to children being taught explicitly about ‘rainbow’ issues from five years old.1 Lords appear set to approve it in April. Christians are encouraged to contact a member of the House of Lords to express concern about the content of the curriculum, asking that legislation include a parental opt-out for Relationships Education.
In response to the Government pressing ahead, The Values Foundation adopted a fourth aim, entitled the 40 Days Campaign. Anyone can register anonymously by pledging £1. (https://40days.uk/)
Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor of Buckingham University, lamented that schools have been allowed to be hollowed out, educating children for careers but neglecting their imaginative, creative, and social potential. The intellectual brain is educated and too often the system leaves out young people’s bodies, hearts, and souls, creating a void into which ideologies walk.
The Times on 8 April published interviews with doctors who had formerly prescribed medication for children presenting as ‘transgender’ who now have huge doubts about the efficacy of doing so. The RSE curriculum will teach positively about trans issues, ignoring the emerging scientific truth behind this latest rainbow issue being promoted to children.
