SNP minister told to explain why children's 'rights don't matter' over school religious assemblies

Two former government ministers are due to quiz the education secretary about compulsory Christian worship in Scotland’s schools, amidst calls to allow pupils to opt out if they wish.

Both Emma Roddick and Elena Whitham will be asking about an upcoming government Bill on this issue on Thursday.

Fraser Sutherland, chief executive of Humanist Society Scotland, said: “Compulsory Christian worship is widespread in non-denominational schools.

“The Scottish Government knows this, yet is point blank refusing to give young people the choice to opt themselves out.

“In a bizarre capitulation to the religious establishment, the government's Bill only removes the need for parental consent when a pupil wants to opt in to worship. It’s no wonder that MSPs are raising questions.

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“The education secretary owes the overwhelming majority of school pupils who don’t hold religious beliefs a clear explanation as to why their rights and beliefs don’t matter.”

Pupils are not allowed to opt out of religious observance in schools unless their parents request this. Religious observance covers events such as Easter assemblies as opposed to mandatory religious education classes.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has previously called for an end to compulsory collective worship in schools, and says there should be a mechanism introduced to allow pupils to opt out themselves if they wish.

The Humanist Society Scotland says the situation in Scottish schools breaches article 12 - children’s right to be heard - and article 14 - freedom of thought, religion and belief - of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, something the Scottish Government officially incorporated into law last year.

There is a Scottish Government Bill being considered in Holyrood to address this issue - the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill. However, the Bill only proposes allowing children to opt in to religious observance if their parents object. Non-religious pupils would still have to seek parental permission to withdraw.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Religious observance in schools is not compulsory and the proposed bill will strengthen the rights of children and young people in Scotland.

“It will also bring legislation into line with existing guidance, building on our commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“The Scottish Government is aware of the wide range of views on this topic and ministers will continue to engage with parliament and interested parties on these as the bill progresses.

“The education secretary had a helpful meeting with the Humanist Society last week and will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the bill’s passage.”