Scottish Catholic Observer

Last week, at an election hustings hosted by LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) groups, the five main Scottish party leaders were questioned on issues of equality and backed calls for LGBTI training of teachers, with First Minster Nicola Sturgeon praising the work of camping group Time for Inclusive Education (TIE).

In a policy paper supported at the SNP’s 2016 spring conference and compiled alongside the SNP’s youth and student wings, the group argues for teacher training to ‘give them the confidence to discuss LGBT+ issues within the classroom.’

Ahead of the hustings, the First Minster pledged the SNP to ‘expect all new, guidance and promoted teachers to undertake training on equality so they are confident in tackling prejudice-based bullying.’

Calls to the SNP for comment went unanswered.

Michael McGrath (above), director of SCES, said they have yet to be consulted on any plans but would expect to be if any such government legislation was proposed.

“If it means sensitising teachers to be inclusive about their approach then that is fine, they should already be doing that,” he said.

“If it means promoting homosexual activity then that is not the job of a government—to be promoting any form of sexual activity.

“The Scottish Government have given us absolute guarantees that the content of what is taught in Catholic schools is secured, and it cannot be changed by any government so I am absolutely confident in that. It would require a change in primary legislation the same as if anyone tried to bring an end to non-denominational schools in this country.”

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—This story ran in full in the April 8 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.