'Three Little Pigs' Returns to Church of England School

Organisers of a junior school production of the popular children's story the 'Three Little Pigs' were given the go-ahead for the three little pigs to appear, after they were replaced with three little puppies over fears they might offend Muslims.

Due to the multi-cultural nature of the youngsters involved and their parents in the audience, organisers of the Kirklees Primary Music Festival event have previously altered the popular characters and lyrics.

The original plan was to change the pig tale to 'Three Little Puppies'.

Now Kirklees Council has stepped in to allow the pigs a reprieve, the BBC reports.

Children, aged from seven to 11, from Honley Church of England Junior School in West Yorkshire can now perform at Huddersfield Town Hall in June in the reworking of the popular tale that features three little pigs, with 250 children from 63 schools singing along.

Muslim leaders recently condemned the politically correct move as misguided and said decisions like this were turning Muslims into 'misfits' in society.

Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra from the Muslim Council of Great Britain branded the move "bizarre".

He said: "The vast majority of Muslims have no problem whatsoever with the Three Little Pigs. It's always been the traditional way of telling the story and I don't see why that should be changed.

"There's an issue about the eating of pork, which is forbidden, but there is no prohibition about reading stories about pigs. This is an unnecessary step."

Other recent rows have involved 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' being changed to 'Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep', as well as various Christmas events being changed to "winter" festivities.

Mr Mogra said: "How far are we going to go? Are we going to change the seven dwarves because it's discriminatory towards people who are physically less able? Where do you draw the line?

"Every time we get these stories Muslims are seen more and more as misfits. We have to accept there's a predominant culture here."

Local councillor Terry Lyons added: "I can't believe that Muslims would be offended by this. This is pandering to a few extremists. People will take umbrage at this decision, making it easier for the BNP to recruit."

Mohammed Imran, of the Hanfia Mosque and Educational Institute, said: "According to the Koran it's forbidden to eat pork or touch a pig, but there's no ruling about talking about them or singing about them."

Steve Price, head of Honley C of E school, said he had not played a part in the decision, but added: "We are part of the family of Kirklees schools. This family is set up to celebrate children's talents and I can well understand some head teachers being careful about not causing offence."