NSS condemns evangelical campaign against “humane” teachers’ Code

The National Secular Society has condemned Christian evangelicals for wanting to undermine an effort by a teaching organisation to protect children from bullies and religious zealots.

NSS President Terry Sanderson has written to the General Teaching Council (GTC) warning that an orchestrated campaign organised by Christian evangelicals is seeking to scupper the GTC’s commitment to fairness and equality.

The GTC is conducting a consultation on a proposed Code of Conduct and Practice. The evangelical groups have taken exception to one section of the Code which reads “Registered teachers should proactively challenge discrimination, stereotyping and bullying, no matter who is the victim or perpetrator; promote equality and value diversity in all their professional relationships and interactions.”

The Christian Institute and other evangelical groups have interpreted this be “a tool for promoting secularism and gay rights” and have subsequently orchestrated a mass write-in by their members objecting to it.

The Christian Institute’s mail-out to its supporters lists the usual “examples” of supposed discriminations that Christians have suffered: the Nurse Petrie case, the Lillian Ladele case etc. and suggests that this code will also add to the list of “persecuted Christians” by making “Christian teachers” treat all their pupils – whether they are gay, atheist, of another religion – with respect.

Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society, said: “The Christian Institute is an unpleasant bunch at the best of times, but this really scrapes the bottom of the barrel. Who could possibly object to children being protected from the prejudices of bullies, bigots and zealots when they are captive in school? The objections to this Code of Practice are not only nasty, they are unconvincing and exaggerated.”

The NSS has written to the GTC warning them that an orchestrated campaign is underway and urging them to leave the section of their Code unchanged.

Mr Sanderson said: “The proposed Code of Practice is progressive and humane. It should be implemented as it is to protect vulnerable children from bigoted teachers.”
See details of the Christian Institute’s nasty campaign
27 February 2009