Respecting Beliefs About Marriage: what the new same-sex marriage laws mean for schools

March 31, 2014
Following the new law, a 28 page document has been written called 'Respecting beliefs
about marriage'. A brief summary of this is available below along with a quote from the Secretary of State for Education, Mr Michael Gove.



At-a-glance summary

  • There is no legal obligation on any primary school to teach sex education or to teach about same-sex marriage.
  • Under guidance relating to Sex and Relationships Education, children in maintained secondary schools must learn the nature of marriage and its importance for family life.
  • 'The nature of marriage' may include teaching children that same-sex marriage has been legalised in England and Wales.
  • Teaching in this area should be sensitive to the backgrounds of the pupils and their parents, and also the beliefs of staff.
  • Secondary schools are used to dealing with controversial issues in the curriculum, such as political opinions or moral issues like abortion. This is another example of a controversial issue.
  • Church schools, or any school with a religious ethos, can continue to teach their beliefs about marriage in line with their legal foundation.
  • Other schools in the state sector could be breaking the law if they go beyond factual information and advocate a particular belief about marriage.
  • All teaching materials should be appropriate to the pupils’ age and religious or cultural background.
  • Schools should work in partnership with parents, giving parents the information they need for meaningful consultation.
  • Schools have a duty to make sure pupils and members of staff are not bullied, or subjected to any other detriment, for their beliefs about marriage.
  • In an appropriate context, a teacher may express a personal opinion about marriage, provided it is done in a reasonable manner.
  • In the current climate, the courts have referred to views regarding same-sex marriage as political views. Schools are under a duty to secure balanced treatment of political issues.
  • The code of conduct for teachers in England requires teachers to show “tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
  • The courts have ruled that a belief in marriage as the union of a man and a woman is a belief “worthy of respect in a democratic society”.
  • It is unlawful to discriminate against a teacher on the basis of sexual orientation, or on the basis of belief for or against same-sex marriage.
  • An Employment Tribunal claim could be brought against a school by a teacher who suffered discrimination because of his or her beliefs about marriage.

“…it is perfectly clear that there will be no requirement on any teacher to promote a view or doctrine with which they feel any discomfort… There is a key difference between denying a fact and a law of the land - if the Bill passes, equal marriage will be a fact and a law of the land - and requiring someone to promote it. It is on that distinction that the liberty of conscience of teachers - and, indeed, of anyone in public service - rests.”

The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education



The full guidance document for schools is available here »


Related Posts:

  • Nursery Reading WorkshopWe were thrilled to welcome children's author and former Headteacher Neil Griffiths for an Importance of Reading workshop for parents. He shared with us his passion for literature and the significance of sharing stories with … Read More
  • Over £700 Raised for Sport Relief The halls were alive with the sound of children running, jumping and cycling as the whole school took part in challenges to raise money for Sport Relief. Pedometers were issued to all pupils and their steps were measured … Read More
  • Sports Days 2016A smaller field and typical British weather were no obstacle to four fantastic Sports' Day events this year. First was the turn of our Infant children. After a closely fought competition, Blue house were the victors with 92 p… Read More
  • Update: Over £1000 Raised for Sport ReliefWe're pleased to report that, with sponsorship money continuing to roll in, our pupils and staff have now raised over £1000 for Sport Relief. In today's whole school assembly, winners of our sporting challenges were announced… Read More
  • Hacton Summer FayreWith looming grey clouds and spontaneous showers, fingers were crossed that the weather would be kind for this year's summer fayre. With the field out of bounds, we managed to spread ourselves through the halls and playground… Read More

Popular Posts

Search This Blog

Blog Archive