Join our campaign to remove religious appointees from local education committees.
Reserving a special role in policymaking for representatives of specific religious institutions runs counter to principles of equality. It automatically excludes most Scottish citizens based on their protected characteristics of religion and belief.
Alastair, from BRIGHTON
Public powers should require public approval via electoral systems. Religious appointees have the power but not the approval. Do MSPs support democracy or religious privilege?
Robert, from PERTH
The existing system is antiquated and unjust. There is no reason at all for religious groups to be represented on education committees.
Alan, from HEBRIDES
Its time to remove the backdoor into our childrens learning environments through which unelected and unchallenged religious representatives enter to protect their interests. Its simply not acceptable in a modern and progressive society where we wish our children to learn in environments without bias.
Paul, from GLASGOW
I disagree fundamentally, with making exceptions for religious groups to play role in secular matters. They should stand for election in the normal way ,if they want to participate. Would you want a religious leader, from any religion, to decide on your child's education?
Gordon, from GLASGOW
This anachronistic requirement is unwarranted and undemocratic. These representatives are not voted in and cannot be voted out or held accountable by anyone other than their respective faith organisations, have no special training in education or the running of schools, and yet have full voting rights over the educational lives of pupils and students all over the country. The Church of Scotland brags that they have 19 of these committees Its long past time this undeserved and unnecessary privilege was removed. If religious organisations want this kind of influence over education, they should stand for election and be held to account alongside every other committee member.
Mark, from GLASGOW
These appointments are outdated and undemocratic. Three places on the committee representing a single religious model of human spirituality are not inclusive and no longer reflect our national demographic.
Jacqueline, from INVERNESS
No religious based schools will make a more cohesive society. Learn at school about all religions, cultures, and values that make a balanced thinking human. Have your religion after school.
Keith, from BLACKPOOL
In a democracy, it is outrageous that some views are privileged over others. As a voter, I am much more likely to favour parties that do not compel me to financially support other people's religious beliefs, or which afford religious believers enhanced influence.
Dominic, from GLASGOW
Those with a conflict of interest should not be mandated to form part of a body which governs the religious education provision. Nor should religious institutions have undue influence on the rest of the education provision; particularly when religious beliefs are significantly declining, particularly in the young, and when religions themselves are generally the antithesis of education; dogma and 'faith' instead of reason and evidence.
Much of a pre-election letter from Scotland's Catholic bishops highlights the risks of allowing religious dogma to dictate public policy, says Stephen Evans.
After the Scottish parliament's decision to sign a charter for children's rights into law, Megan Manson says parties in the upcoming election should challenge religious groups' privileged influence over...
As the Scottish government confirms funding for a new joint campus between a non-denominational school and a Catholic one, Neil Barber says ministers should instead seek a unified, secular education system....
The local council in the Outer Hebrides has endorsed Catholic Church resources on sex and relationships – with some demanding they're used "exclusively". Neil Barber says this is a misguided decision....
As ministers consider changing Scotland's hate crime bill to address free expression concerns, Stephen Evans says their insistence to date that the bill won't undermine legitimate debate has been unconvincing....
National Secular Society
Challenging Religious Privilege
Supporter comments
Join our campaign to remove religious appointees from local education committees.
Reserving a special role in policymaking for representatives of specific religious institutions runs counter to principles of equality. It automatically excludes most Scottish citizens based on their protected characteristics of religion and belief.
Alastair, from BRIGHTON
Public powers should require public approval via electoral systems. Religious appointees have the power but not the approval. Do MSPs support democracy or religious privilege?
Robert, from PERTH
The existing system is antiquated and unjust. There is no reason at all for religious groups to be represented on education committees.
Alan, from HEBRIDES
Its time to remove the backdoor into our childrens learning environments through which unelected and unchallenged religious representatives enter to protect their interests. Its simply not acceptable in a modern and progressive society where we wish our children to learn in environments without bias.
Paul, from GLASGOW
I disagree fundamentally, with making exceptions for religious groups to play role in secular matters. They should stand for election in the normal way ,if they want to participate. Would you want a religious leader, from any religion, to decide on your child's education?
Gordon, from GLASGOW
This anachronistic requirement is unwarranted and undemocratic. These representatives are not voted in and cannot be voted out or held accountable by anyone other than their respective faith organisations, have no special training in education or the running of schools, and yet have full voting rights over the educational lives of pupils and students all over the country. The Church of Scotland brags that they have 19 of these committees Its long past time this undeserved and unnecessary privilege was removed. If religious organisations want this kind of influence over education, they should stand for election and be held to account alongside every other committee member.
Mark, from GLASGOW
These appointments are outdated and undemocratic. Three places on the committee representing a single religious model of human spirituality are not inclusive and no longer reflect our national demographic.
Jacqueline, from INVERNESS
No religious based schools will make a more cohesive society. Learn at school about all religions, cultures, and values that make a balanced thinking human. Have your religion after school.
Keith, from BLACKPOOL
In a democracy, it is outrageous that some views are privileged over others. As a voter, I am much more likely to favour parties that do not compel me to financially support other people's religious beliefs, or which afford religious believers enhanced influence.
Dominic, from GLASGOW
Those with a conflict of interest should not be mandated to form part of a body which governs the religious education provision. Nor should religious institutions have undue influence on the rest of the education provision; particularly when religious beliefs are significantly declining, particularly in the young, and when religions themselves are generally the antithesis of education; dogma and 'faith' instead of reason and evidence.
Nathan, from HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
Support this campaign
If the comments from these supporters have inspired you to learn more, or share your support, please use the links below.
Our Campaigns
Join our campaign for an inclusive and secular education system.
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We campaign for the law and the administration of justice to be based on equality, respect for human rights, and on objective evidence.
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Public services that are intended for the whole community, especially those funded by public money, should be provided in a secular context.
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We campaign on a wide range of topics where religious privilege impacts public life. Including:
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For over 150 years we have campaigned for disestablishment, the separation of the C of E and state.
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Related Opinion
Much of a pre-election letter from Scotland's Catholic bishops highlights the risks of allowing religious dogma to dictate public policy, says Stephen Evans.
Regressive religious demands shouldn't hold sway over political decisions
Posted: Thu, 15 Apr 2021
After the Scottish parliament's decision to sign a charter for children's rights into law, Megan Manson says parties in the upcoming election should challenge religious groups' privileged influence over...
If Scotland wants to uphold children’s rights, its schools need to change
Posted: Thu, 08 Apr 2021
As the Scottish government confirms funding for a new joint campus between a non-denominational school and a Catholic one, Neil Barber says ministers should instead seek a unified, secular education system....
Joint campuses are a cop out in efforts to tackle sectarianism
Posted: Wed, 03 Mar 2021
The local council in the Outer Hebrides has endorsed Catholic Church resources on sex and relationships – with some demanding they're used "exclusively". Neil Barber says this is a misguided decision....
The Catholic Church’s dogma shouldn’t undermine sex education
Posted: Wed, 16 Dec 2020
As ministers consider changing Scotland's hate crime bill to address free expression concerns, Stephen Evans says their insistence to date that the bill won't undermine legitimate debate has been unconvincing....
The Scottish hate crime bill is a threat to free and open debate
Posted: Mon, 21 Sep 2020
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