Supporter comments

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These appointments are outdated and undemocratic.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.