- Friday, April 26, 2024
By: Keerthi Mohan
A POLICE chief has called for an end to protest outside a Birmingham school over LGBT equality classes.
Dave Thompson, the chief constable of West Midlands police, said a number of criminal offences had occurred outside Anderton Park primary school since Sunday evening..
“In recent months some Birmingham primary schools have been subject to protests by parents concerning the schools’ curriculum on equality,” he was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
“As a citizen of this city, I have observed these protests and the rhetoric around them with increasing concern. West Midlands police values and celebrates the diversity of this area. We believe the strength of this city is in tolerant and diverse communities,” he said.
“Sadly, this is not the image of Birmingham that these events are projecting around the country and the world,” he said.
Thompson urged protesters to consider the adverse impact the protests were having on the reputation of the city.
“Frankly, a primary school is no place for the continuance of a large-scale protest, however lawful,” he added.
Roger Godsiff, the Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green, which includes Anderton Park Primary School in Sparkhill, meanwhile, has expressed “concerns” about teaching children aged four and five about same sex relationships.
He also said that more consultations were required as some location families were hesitant to accept same sex relationships due to their religious beliefs.
“I support the head teacher, absolutely, I support all teachers and public sector workers,” the MP was quoted as saying by Birmingham Mail.
“I am clear that parents do not have a right to veto what is taught in schools on equality. I have voted in favour of all the legislation on relationships and equality.
“But I think we must all do nothing else to exacerbate tensions. Calm needs to prevail.”
