School stops anti-homophobia lessons after Muslim parents protest

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A primary school in the United Kingdom has ceased its anti-homophobia lessons for the time being following outcry from Muslim parents.

Muslim parents of Parkfield Community School students in Birmingham decried the “No Outsiders” classes saying homosexuality is not allowed in Islam. The “No Outsiders” classes were created by assistant head Andrew Moffat, who is gay himself, to promote tolerance towards same-sex couples and other minorities. These classes, however, would have to take the backseat for now, at least until Easter in April, while a consultation with the parents takes place, as per The Guardian on March 4.

Around 600 Muslim students around the ages of 4 to 11 were pulled out by their parents for the protest. The school was thus compelled to send out a letter to parents saying the classes would be suspended and replaced with religious education (RE) instead.

“Up to the end of this term, we will not be delivering any ‘No Outsiders’ lessons in our long term year curriculum plan, as this half term has already been blocked for religious education,” the letter said as per the report. “Equality assemblies will continue as normal and our welcoming ‘No Outsiders’ ethos will be there for all.”

This suspension was backed by the trustee board of Excelsior Multi Academy Trust, which runs Parkfield school.

The decision was made after a meeting with the trust, West Midlands regional schools commissioner Andrew Warren, the parents and Liam Byrne MP.

Meanwhile, Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, pointed out in the report that within her constituency, the parents’ major concern was the age-appropriateness of teaching children about same-sex relationships.

Byrne, whose constituency includes the school, suggested that parents, Muslim faith leaders in the community, and LGBT rights group Stonewall could instead work together on a curriculum, the report stated. Cody Cepeda/JB

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