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Row over LGBT classes worsens in Birmingham

SIX weeks of discussions between parents and staff members over issue of relationship education at a Birmingham primary school have been termed unsuccessful.

Nazir Afzal, who is in charge of mediation between the council, parents and teachers of Anderton Park Primary School, said staff members were frequently breaking down in tears due to hostility at the school gates.


Anderton Park Primary School have been facing constant protests over lessons on same-sex relationships. Some parents claim the lessons go against their religious values.

"I've looked at the curriculum, there is nothing in the curriculum that is LGBT specific. There is nothing about gay sex," Afzal, a former chief prosecutor for North West England, told Sky News.

"I've seen people walking around outside of that school with stuff that they have downloaded from the internet suggesting this is on the curriculum. This is what's being taught to their children. It's a lie. And this is what I'm dealing with."

He said misinformation was being spread by those with no children at the school.

"I've seen dozens and dozens of men invariably, outside that school, coming straight from the mosque for example or from whatever place of worship, who have no place to be there.

"What the hell are they doing outside screaming at five year olds? What are they doing?

"This could be fixed in a day if the headteacher was allowed to continue her conversations with the parents."

Afzal wants the government to step in to resolve the issue, adding that similar protests would break out in other parts of the country if the issue in Birmingham was not resolved.

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UK's first female Asian lord mayor Manjula Sood dies aged 80

During her year as lord mayor, she was appointed an MBE and awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Leicester.

manjulasood.com

UK's first female Asian lord mayor Manjula Sood dies aged 80

Highlights

  • Manjula Sood became UK's first Asian female lord mayor in May 2008 after arriving from India in 1970.
  • Served as Labour councillor for Stoneygate ward and Leicester's first female Hindu councillor from 1996.
  • Awarded MBE and honorary doctorate while championing women and diverse communities across the city.

Tributes have been paid following the death of Manjula Sood, who became the UK's first female Asian lord mayor and was described as "a dedicated servant to the Leicester community."

Sood, who was 80, also served as assistant mayor and Labour councillor for the Stoneygate ward in Leicester.

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