Devon-based Proud2Be the social enterprise that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex &/or asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) people, in Devon & beyond responds to “Christian school worker Victoria Allen in gay marriage row” published on November 28, 2016.
“We at Proud2Be, a Devon based lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans+ (LGBT+) organisation would like to respond to the BBC News Article “Christian school worker Victoria Allen in gay marriage row” published on November 28, 2016.
“Although we do believe all people have the right to their opinions, Vicky Allen is employed to support the school in providing a fair and equal education to all students, including those who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual &/or trans+.
“Unfortunately, the message that is being sent out to every young person in Brannel School is that it is OK to believe that some people should be denied equal rights and protection under the law because of other people’s opinions of them. This is a message that we will continue to challenge and counterbalance at Proud2Be.
“Too often we hear religious freedom used as a way of justifying beliefs, that in many other contexts would be regarded as bigoted and in congruent with the values of a school in 2016.
“The Ofsted framework now explicitly directs inspectors to look at a school’s efforts to tackle bullying and prejudicial language based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This includes but is not limited to Equal Marriage.
“Laws are changing but often society can be slow to catch up and that is one of the reasons why we are very proud to be one of 12 organisations in the National Anti-Homophobic/Biphobic/Transphobic Bullying Alliance. The alliance will deliver an innovative school’s project over the next 2 and a half years and will be led by LGBT Consortium and funded by the Government Equalities Office.”
To read original BBC story, click here:
To find out more about this Bulling Alliance initiative click here:
For more information about Proud2Be, click here: