Ministers say they are working to “defuse” protests at a school teaching about LGBT relationships after the government was accused of being “too silent”.
Dame Louise Casey, former integration tsar, said ministers have not intervened strongly enough against demonstrations outside the Anderton Park School in Sparkhill, Birmingham.
The protests against LGBT teaching were sparked earlier this year over some parents’ concerns about elements of the teaching materials, including two books: one about two male penguins who raise an egg, and another about a boy who wears a dress.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Dame Louise said: “They have just been too silent on this, and I think that they need to be much clearer about upholding the laws of this country and the values that we hold.”
Dame Louise said children need to be prepared for life in a “multicultural, multi-faith” country.
She added: “We are not fitting those kids for wh at the world is. And actually, this is a multicultural, multi-faith country that we are very proud of, but it shows you this picture of some families in some of these areas being very closed. “
Schools minister Nick Gibb said the government is working to “defuse” protests at Anderton Park School.
He said it is “unacceptable” that people are protesting outside schools, saying it could “intimidate” children, teachers and parents .
He said: “We believe very strongly that young people should be taught about LGBT relationships.”
He added: “We are fully behind the school, we are working as I said, officials are in Birmingham working with the school. “
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