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CLASS WAR SPREADS

Parents in Manchester attack LGBT lessons after families force Birmingham schools to cancel classes

More than 250 parents have joined a disturbing WhatsApp group to vent about the new curriculum

PARENTS in Manchester have blasted LGBT lessons just days after families forced five Birmingham schools to cancel classes.

More than 250 parents have joined a disturbing WhatAapp group ranting about the new curriculum, which will make sex education including LGBT lessons compulsory for primary age children.

 Distressing messages have been circulating on a Whatsapp group concerning lessons on LGBT rights
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Distressing messages have been circulating on a Whatsapp group concerning lessons on LGBT rightsCredit: MEN Media
 The group has around 250 members, all believed to be parents at schools in Manchester
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The group has around 250 members, all believed to be parents at schools in ManchesterCredit: MEN Media
 The group has a strong stance against LGBT lessons
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The group has a strong stance against LGBT lessonsCredit: MEN Media
 Parents of kids at Plymouth Grove Primary in Manchester have contacted the headteacher about the sex education syllabus
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Parents of kids at Plymouth Grove Primary in Manchester have contacted the headteacher about the sex education syllabusCredit: Google Maps

One parent wrote in the Manchester SRE Education group: "Couple teachers are gay in the school as it is and they frequently talk about it to kids...what's the need? Indirect manipulation.

"This needs to he [sic] addressed but said that focus should be on lessons NOT the teachers bloody personal gay lives[.]

"These are implored tactics. There own personal agendas and ideas pushed on children regardless of their faith. It's wrong." [sic]

Their own personal agendas and ideas pushed on children regardless of their faith. It's wrong

Parent

Another wrote: "I spoke to my child how did schola [sic] go he was not happy he told me that there [sic] teacher have been talking about gays and lesbians in year five."

Seven primary schools are said to have been contacted by concerned parents, after the government issued guidance in February stating they can teach pupils about LGBT equality and rights "at the point where schools consider it appropriate".

The advice says: "They should ensure that this content is fully integrated into their programmes of study for this area of the curriculum, rather than delivered as a standalone unit or lesson."

'NO OUTSIDERS'

In Birmingham, The Leight Trust, which runs five city primary schools, has dropped an equality and LGBT rights programme after parents campaigned to have it scrapped.

The 'No Outsiders' curriculum has been dropped until after Ramadan in June, while it consults with parents.

Protesters were most vocal at Parkfield Community School, where assistant headteacher Andrew Moffat piloted the programme.

While Greater Manchester does not run the specific scheme, it is understood that a number of parents, many of a Muslim background, are concerned about the new plans to overhaul sex education lessons in schools.

Islamic scholars overwhelmingly teach that homosexuality is a sin, but studies show that  support for LGBT rights among Muslims in western countries is growing.

One survey conducted last year showed that over 40 percent of US Muslims supported same-sex marriage.

'MILITANT' GROUP

One parent with a primary-age child at William Hulme grammar school told The Guardian: “The WhatsApp group has been quite militant."

“These are just regular sex education lessons – they are not like No Outsiders – but because of Birmingham they have heard that this is in the pipeline and it’s got totally blown out of proportion.”

The parent said that some parents didn’t want their children taught about sex “at all” and others were worried about the LGBT message, adding: “Some people don’t want their kids being taught that it is OK to be gay.”

Some people don’t want their kids being taught that it is OK to be gay.”

Parent, William Hulme Grammar School

In 2017, the government announced a radical overhaul of sex and relationship education to include LGBT issues that will become compulsory from September next year.

Faith schools are still allowed to teach “in accordance with the tenets of their faith”.

Schools including Claremont primary, Plymouth Grove, William Hulme and MEA Central have all been contacted by parents keen to axe the classes.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, executive member for schools, culture and leisure, Manchester City Council, said: "We're aware of the existence of WhatsApp groups and the misinformation that is being circulated through them.

"We would encourage any parent who has concerns about the curriculum to talk to their school first of all and to hear directly from them what's involved.

"The vast majority of Manchester schools have been successfully teaching relationship education for some time and continue to do so.

"Manchester is a diverse and welcoming city that embraces many different faiths and cultures.

"We want all our children and young people to grow up understanding and respecting differences between people and to recognise their own role in responding positively to that diversity."

 The WhatsApp group cites specific schools that have been contacted
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The WhatsApp group cites specific schools that have been contactedCredit: MEN Media
 The worrying messages have been spreading on a secret WhatsApp group
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The worrying messages have been spreading on a secret WhatsApp groupCredit: MEN Media
 Families of children at Claremont Primary in Manchester have also expressed their concerns about LGBT lessons
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Families of children at Claremont Primary in Manchester have also expressed their concerns about LGBT lessonsCredit: Google Maps


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