Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Protests against LGBT lessons spread nationwide

Schools across the country have received letters from parents opposing LGBT equality classes.

In March, hundreds of children, mainly of Muslim faith, were pulled out of Anderton Park Primary School in Birmingham over the No Outsiders programme, which teaches students about LGBT people and families.


Conservative Muslim parents claimed these lessons "promoted" homosexuality.

Now, an investigation by the BBC Newsnight programme revealed that letters opposing LGBT lessons were sent to schools not just in Birmingham, but in Bradford, Bristol, Croydon, Ealing, Manchester, Northampton and Nottingham. Also, letters have been sent from Christian parents in Kent as well.

One of the protests' leaders Amir Ahmed told the BBC: "It's not about gay lesbian rights and equality. This is purely about proselytising a homosexual way of life to children."

When asked if he believed children could be "recruited to be gay", Ahmed said: "You can condition them to accept this as being a normal way of life and it makes the children more promiscuous as they grow older."

He added: "Whether they become gay or not, they can still enter into gay relationships. They want to convert you, they want to convert your morality and that's just wrong."

The Department for Education said: "Pupils should be taught about the society in which they are growing up. These subjects are designed to foster respect for others and for difference, and educate pupils about healthy relationships."

More For You

 ISKCON's UK birthplace

The building holds deep spiritual importance as ISKCON's UK birthplace

iskconnews

ISKCON reclaims historic London birthplace for £1.6 million after 56 years

Highlights

  • ISKCON London acquires 7 Bury Place, its first UK temple site opened in 1969, for £1.6 million at auction.
  • Five-storey building near British Museum co-signed by Beatle George Harrison who helped fund original lease.
  • Site to be transformed into pilgrimage centre commemorating ISKCON's pioneering work in the UK.
ISKCON London has successfully reacquired 7 Bury Place, the original site of its first UK temple, at auction for £1.6 m marking what leaders call a "full-circle moment" for the Krishna consciousness movement in Britain.

The 221 square metre freehold five-storey building near the British Museum, currently let to a dental practice, offices and a therapist, was purchased using ISKCON funds and supporter donations. The organisation had been searching for properties during its expansion when the historically significant site became available.

The building holds deep spiritual importance as ISKCON's UK birthplace. In 1968, founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada sent three American couples to establish a base in England. The six devotees initially struggled in London's cold, using a Covent Garden warehouse as a temporary temple.

Keep ReadingShow less