The opt-out already exists in religious education and collective worship, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, but case law now shows that when children become competent to make up their own minds, it is an infringement of their rights for parents to withdraw them, or not to withdraw them, from collective worship—for example, compulsory prayer. Under his logic, should parents who feel passionately about the origins of the universe and believed in young-earth creationism have the right to withdraw their children from biology lessons, for example, for the reasons that he gives?
Children, Schools and Families Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Evan Harris
(Liberal Democrat)
in the House of Commons on Thursday, 8 April 2010.
It occurred during Debate on bills on Children, Schools and Families Bill.
Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
508 c1228 
Session
2009-10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
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Timestamp
2024-04-21 20:57:33 +0100
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