Parents and teachers alike are concerned at the material say Presbytery of Lewis

The Church of Scotland Presbytery of Lewis says it has been approached by a large number of parents and teachers over the issue.

They have claimed there are grave concerns about the content of the Relationship, Sexual Health and Parenthood [RSHP] materials which Comhairle nan Eilean Siar intends to introduce in response to Scottish Government Guidance.

Lewis Presbytery is opposed to the use of rshp.org materials as the default resource in teaching the Personal & Social Education Curriculum because the content, and age and stage appropriateness of much of the materials approved by the Scottish Government will confuse and prematurely sexualise young minds.

A spokesman said: “The rshp.org materials are being translated into Gaelic by Bòrd na Gàidhlig in conjunction with NHS Eilean Siar while there are acceptable, alternative RSHP materials presently available to English stream pupils.

“It is unlikely that they will be available in translation to pupils in Gaelic Medium Education. As a result, Gaelic Medium pupils will have no alternative to the translated rshp.org materials. Pupil withdrawal from such classes will, therefore, be more likely.

“While the removal of homophobic and transphobic bullying from schools is an aspiration Presbytery fully supports, there is the very real danger that it will be replaced by heterophobic and faithophobic bullying against those who are unable to ‘embrace’ an ideology that goes against their conscience, morality, and/or faith position.

“Pupils withdrawn from such classes will, therefore, be more likely; and, the liberty teachers have to use alternatives to the rshp.org resource may be lost if, as the LGBTI Inclusive Education Implementation Group urges, legislative options are introduced should insufficient progress in local delivery of LGBT inclusive education take place by the end of the current Parliamentary term.”

Lewis Presbytery said it seeks to work collaboratively with the Comhairle for the wellbeing of all children and young people in the Western Isles.

It acknowledges the Comhairle’s work in relation to educational innovation evidenced by the success of E-sgoil and urges an equally innovative educational innovation in the area currently drawing concerns from both parents and teachers on the island - on the usage of RSHP resources.

Continuing, a spokesman said: “Other RSHP materials exist which will satisfy Education Scotland and importantly can be tailored to suit specific island culture and we pledge to support the Comhairle in this endeavour.

A Comhairle spokesman said: “We are still in a consultation process on this and we welcome all contributions. Presbytery’s will be considered along with all other representations.”