Church of Scotland calls for sex education materials to ‘better reflect’ the culture of the Western Isles

The Church of Scotland Presbytery of Lewis has called on Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar to adapt school lesson materials being considered for use in the teaching of relationships, sexual health and parenthood in schools in the Western Isles “to better reflect the cultural background of the area”.

In a letter to the council, the Presbytery said that it had been approached by “a large number” of parents and teachers who it says are “gravely concerned” about the poissible use of the proposed new materials.

The Church said in its letter that the education resources, developed by a partnership of local authorities and health boards, with advice from Education Scotland and the Scottish Government, and available at the rshp.scot website, could “confuse and prematurely sexualise young minds”.

Picture credit: David Jones

While the Presbytery “fully supports” the removal of homophobic and transphobic bullying from schools, the Presbytery’s letter continued: “there is the very real danger that it will be replaced by heterophobic and faithophobic bullying against those who are unable to ‘embrace’ an ideology

that goes against their conscience, morality, and/or faith position. Pupil withdrawal from such classes will, therefore, be more likely.”

Rev Hugh M. Stewart, minister of Lochs-in-Bernera and Uig congregations – and the representative of the Church of Scotland on the education committee of the Western Isles Council, said:

“Following the large volume of parental and teacher concern expressed to the Presbytery about Relationship, Sexual Health and Parenthood it feels that the best solution is for the Comhairle to weave its own, distinct policy on Relationship, Sexual Health and Parenthood, one that is tailored

to meet and reflect the unique cultural, social, linguistic and religious richness to be found across the Western Isles.

“This would ensure”, Rev. Stewart concluded: “the equality of opportunity for children in English Medium and Gaelic Medium education and avoid the need for pupils to withdraw from classes, eliminating the concerns of parents and teachers.”

A spokesperson for Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar said: “We are still in a consultation process on this and we welcome all contributions. This will be considered along with all other representations including the comments regarding Gaelic.”

Reporting by PA

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