Help us to oppose plans for a new wave of 100% religiously selective schools

A selection of quotes from supporters of the campaign on why they've signed the petition/written to their MP.

Faith schools are discriminatory and exclusive, and increase divisiveness in society. In a multicultural society like ours, all state-funded schools should be open to children of parents of all faiths and none.
Diana

Because I sincerely believe that no child should be discriminated against and that religion should be taught on a Sunday for the parents that want their child taught religion.
Anthony

As a country which already struggles with religious differences and sectarianism, allowing faith schools to discriminate against members of other faiths and none is a horrific concept. Removal of the cap would increase division between communities, reduce social mobility and cause significant harm.
Sandra

I believe that being able to select students solely based upon their religion is a highly divisive policy, we should be encouraging integration not actively opposing it.
Andrew

Because forcing children to be segregated according to their parents' beliefs fosters segregation and divisions in communities. Children don't see differences, but this forces them to grow up identifying themselves as different to others. It's so wrong.
Helen

Sectarianism is the most divisive force in the world today and religiously divided schools ensures the perpetuation of this segregationist outlook.
John

Because all state funded schools should be secular, teaching all children equally a broad and balanced curriculum. Religion should be a personal choice.
Mary

I believe that schools should be open and inclusive of all. Hiving off sections for religious groups is not only enticing a discriminatory element in the education of children but form a barrier from relating to their peers in the real world.
Paul

I simply cannot understand how the Government can think that Faith Schools who can select 100% of their pupils based on their religious background can actually promote inclusivity.
Maggie

Because the education of children should not be used as a tool to further whatever religious or ethnic prejudices the parents may hold.
Eric

There is no place for discrimination on basis of parental faith in publicly funded schools, and in our diverse society segregating children on religious/cultural grounds is inimical to integration, and is positively dangerous.
Mary

Because secularism protects those of all faiths but segregation denies freedom to everyone.
Byron

I am a strong believer that secularism is the only way to counter the divisions in our society caused by diverse belief systems. Schools are where children should be brought together and state funding should never be used to further the aims of particular religious groups.
June

The proposals for 100% selection are ridiculous and fly in the face of the Govt wishes for an inclusive society, we're actively telling children from an early age that "they're different to you".
Craig

At a time when racial and religious tensions are rising, it's more important than ever that children are allowed to mix with and get to know others from different backgrounds so that they can work together for a better future. Allowing more religious selection is a massive step backwards.
Sarah

Segregated schooling has caused unnecessary problems in Northern Ireland. Why would we want it in England?
Christine