Hundreds of parents join WhatsApp group to rage about LGBT lessons in schools

Hundreds of parents have joined a WhatsApp group to rage about their children having LGBT lessons in school.

The 'Manchester SRE Education' group, which has 250 members, is being used to fume about the new curriculum, which could see children being taught about LGBT rights from the age of four.

Derogatory and homophobic messages are being exchanged, including criticism of gay teachers.

It comes after a nationwide row, following a government overhaul of sex and relationships lessons which says that going forward, children must be taught about LGBT issues, reports Manchester Evening News.

Headlines about the 'No Outsider' programme rolled out at schools in Birmingham, sparked anger and concern for some Manchester parents who are anxious about what the government guidance will mean for their kids.

An academy trust in Birmingham has suspended the lessons after scores of parents staged protests claiming they 'promoted homosexual behaviour'.

Now a WhatsApp group has been formed by parents in Manchester, who say they will continue to 'apply pressure' to prevent their children being taught about LGBT rights.

Some of the messages, seen by the Manchester Evening News, are derogatory and homophobic in nature.

One parent wrote: "Plus couple teachers are gay in the school as it is and they frequently talk to kids… what's the need? Indirect manipulation.

"Teachers are getting away with pep classroom talk. This needs to be addressed but said that, focus should be on lessons NOT the teacher's bloody personal gay lives.

"These are implored tactics."

Another said: "There [sic] personal agendas and ideas pushed on children regardless of their faith.

"IT'S WRONG."

Schools including Claremont primary in Rusholme and Plymouth Grove in Longsight, William Hulme in Whalley Range and MEA Central in Levenshulme, have been contacted by parents.

One parent posted on the group: "My son's teacher is gay. And has been talking about his views to 6 year olds. He has made his views clear even on social media."

Another wrote: "I spoke to my child how did schola [sic] go he was not happy he told me that there [sic] teacher have been talking about gays and lesbians in year five."

Government guidance issued in February, states that 'at the point where schools consider it appropriate,' they can teach pupils about LGBT equality and rights.

"They should ensure that this content is fully integrated into their programmes of study for this area of the curriculum, rather than delivered as a standalone unit or lesson," it says.

The guidance also states that individual schools are required to make a statement of policy on their provision of relationships education and sex and relationship education, and set out the circumstances in which a pupil can be excused.

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, executive member for schools, culture and leisure, Manchester City Council, said: "We're aware of the existence of WhatsApp groups and the misinformation that is being circulated through them.

"We would encourage any parent who has concerns about the curriculum to talk to their school first of all and to hear directly from them what's involved.

"The vast majority of Manchester schools have been successfully teaching relationship education for some time and continue to do so.

"Manchester is a diverse and welcoming city that embraces many different faiths and cultures.

"We want all our children and young people to grow up understanding and respecting differences between people and to recognise their own role in responding positively to that diversity."

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