SNP 'is open to idea' of state schools for Muslims

Published on Wednesday 11 July 2007 12:13

THE SNP government has signalled it is willing to consider having separate Muslim state schools in Scotland.

A spokesman for Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said ministers were "open" to proposals about such a move.

But critics claimed it could be storing up problems for the future.

The latest development in the debate follows comments by SNP leader Alex Salmond during the Holyrood election campaign earlier this year, when he said it was important to listen to representations from the Muslim community and "make a full assessment of the demand for Muslim schools".

He continued: "I think we need honest criteria agreed and, if there is sustainable demand from within the community, move ahead with a pilot project."

In a weekend television debate, SNP Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was "not persuaded" of the case for Muslim schools but said a pilot study could be a way forward.

But now Ms Hyslop's spokesman appears to have indicated a more sympathetic stance.

Osama Saeed, a leading campaigner for Islamic schools in Scotland, said many Muslims wanted "some congruity between their home life and school life".

But he added: "These schools will follow the national curriculum. It won't be a case of pupils learning the Koran all day."

However, Charles Douglas, convener of the Humanist Society of Scotland, said the move could hinder the integration of Muslims.