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."