Christian mother takes school to court over gay pride parade

Izzy Montague

A Christian mother who says her 4-year-old son was forced to take part in a gay pride parade against her will have her case heard in court this week.

Izzy Montague says she was told by the headteacher of Heavers Farm Primary School in Croydon, south London, that her son could not opt out of the 2018 pride event despite the family's Christian beliefs. 

She is taking the school to court for direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation and breaches of statutory duties under the Education Act 1996 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Mrs Montague, who has since withdrawn her son from the school, says her concerns were not taken seriously and that the school became "antagonistic" towards her after she asked to withdraw her son.

Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, her case will be heard by Central London County Court from 14 to 21 July. 

The court will consider religious belief and the human rights of parents and their children, as well as the right to opt out of ideological education, and the duty of schools to be politically neutral. 

Ahead of the hearing Mrs Montague said: "I wasn't even trying to stop the Pride event. I just wanted my child to receive an education, rather than indoctrination.

"I am taking this stand to raise awareness amongst parents as to what is happening in our primary schools. I do not want other parents to go through what I have in the months and years ahead."

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: "This case epitomises the chaos we can expect to see in the next academic year in our schools and is another example of the 'totalitolerance' that has become so prevalent in our society. Those who preach tolerance and diversity the loudest do not appear to be interested in practising it.

"A particular agenda is being forced onto children inside the school gates and parents are being given no means to ensure that their children are being taught in line with their religious and philosophical beliefs."

Heavers Farm Primary School has been contacted for comment.

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.