Haringey to Take Tough Stance on Anti-LGBT Protests Outside Schools

Haringey Council has unanimously passed a motion declaring its support for an inclusive curriculum and stating it is prepared to obtain injunctions to block anti-LGBT protesters if needed.

The move  comes after religious activists have been campaigning against new sex and relationships education rules which make sure children are taught about LGBTQ+ people in primary school.

This has triggered anger in some religious communities, most prominently in Birmingham - where two schools have seen protests for much of 2019.

Cllr Luke Cawley-Harrison (Crouch End, Lib Dem) proposed the motion. He said: "I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where relationship education leaves her questioning her family unit because her school is unwilling to teach about same-sex couples. Or a world where she is fearful for her own safety, not just because of her own identity, but because of mine."

Cllr Zena Brabazon (Harringay, Lab) backed the motion saying: "It's fitting we are discussing this because Alan Turing will be the face on our £50 notes."

She also recalled Haringey's fight against section 28, referring to the so-called "Haringey experiment", adding: "Our schools have a very proud tradition of educating young people inclusively."

Niranjan Kamatkar, the artistic director of Haringey LGBTQ+ charity Wise Thoughts praised the decision.

He said: "We welcome the council's stance on promoting diversity and community cohesion by working with local schools. It is important that children in schools need to feel safe and young LGBTQI+ people feel included to ensure best education practices."

(Adapted from an article in the Ham & High)