A Baptist minster has raised concerns about Christian schools having to teach children about gay marriage.
Pastor Elisha John, of the Grace Baptist Church in Stratford, said his congregation was worried that schools may be forced to teach children about the “lifestyle” of gay marriage by the government against parents’ wishes.
He said: “We’re living in a democracy, a free democracy, and imposing their lifestyle on children under the guise of equality is not equality at all.
“What they are saying is that it should be made legal that Christian schools which don’t even receive public money should teach this lifestyle to their children, and that’s the last thing they want to do.
“And not just Christians. Most people don’t want this taught to their children. I have spoken to people in the community and they don’t want this. This lifestyle that’s gay marriage.”
Pastor John also complained about the government’s position that creationism could not be taught in science lessons, where children instead have to learn that humans evolved.
He said: “They are saying you can’t teach creationism, you have to say that we all come from monkeys, and the big bang etc.
“As you know secularism is being pushed, is already being pushed, so these are serious concerns.
“If you remove the thought of God you’re left with no moral responsibility.”
The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed that all schools must teach children about same-sex marriage, which was made legal by parliament last year and came into force in March, but should consult with parents about how they teach sex education.
A DfE spokesman said: “Schools are required to teach children about the nature of marriage, and this should reflect the legal definition of marriage.
“Teachers are expected to inform students about marriage in a way which is factual and age-appropriate. But no school and no teacher is under any duty to endorse or promote same-sex marriage.”
The spokesman also restated the government’s opposition to teaching creationism as science, saying: “Creationism has no place in science lessons – and must not be taught as fact in any state-funded schools.
“Schools are free to discuss it in RE classes providing it is not presented as a valid alternative to established scientific theory.”
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