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LGBT classes: Headteacher says protests won't stop lessons

Protesters objecting to LGBT lessons in a Birmingham school have vowed to continue protests even after next week's half-term break.

Hundreds of angry parents gathered outside Anderton Park Primary School in Birmingham on Friday as demonstrations reached eighth week. Students were sent home early amid concerns of safety.


School headteacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson said she will not change what is being taught in school because of protests.

"There is a real despair that has made this us-and-them feeling. It's only a small minority of parents and actually a majority are totally fed," she was quoted as saying.

"It's not peaceful, it is aggressive, it's rude. Their tactics are very bullying and intimidating, they're meant to crush the spirit of people like me, and other women."

She also condemned Birmingham Hall Green MP Roger Godsiff, who said five-year-olds were too young learn about LGBT issues.

"It's the fabric of British society is at stake here, because the equality laws hold us together," she said. "The law is there as a mark in the sand that we all have to promote, and understand and aspire to."

Labour's Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, who lives near the school, said the protests were damaging the reputation of Birmingham's "peaceful and loving" Muslim community.

“It is hate preaching," she was quoted as saying. "The protest has to be stopped. I feel like everyone is pussyfooting around a load of bigots. They shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the schools. These are people with a religious extremist agenda. They are holding schools under siege.”

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British Passports

Anyone whose last passport was issued before January 1, 1994 must apply for what is classed as a “first adult passport

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Brits with passports issued before 1994 may need to apply all over again

  • Passports issued before January 1, 1994 cannot be renewed normally
  • Travellers may need to apply for a “first adult passport” instead
  • Applicants could be asked to provide birth certificates and citizenship documents

Britons planning holidays this year are being urged to check the issue date on their passport carefully, as some older documents may no longer qualify for a standard renewal.

According to guidance on the UK government website, anyone whose last passport was issued before January 1, 1994 must apply for what is classed as a “first adult passport” rather than renewing it in the usual way.

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