Scotland’s new Bill on religious education undermines parental authority

Hope Bonacher is concerned that the latest legal developments in Scotland might be the thin end of the wedge and urges Christian parents to defend their God-given role in raising their children

For an alternative view see here.

This February, the Scottish Parliament passed a Bill that gives children the right to opt back in to religious education if their parents have withdrawn them (the Bill still requires Royal Assent to become law). One prominent Scottish law firm, gives a helpful explanation of the legalese …

when a child’s parent or guardian opts to withdraw their child from religious education or observance at school, the education operator (most often the school) must inform the child and give them a chance to express their views (where the child is capable of expressing views). Where the child objects to a withdrawal request, the school should seek to discuss the objection with the parent and the child. Ultimately, the school would have to follow the child’s wishes and refuse to give effect to the withdrawal request to the extent that the child objects to it.

Any instance in which a government body can legally intervene in wellbeing decisions of parents for their children is a slippery slope

Does this say “red flag” to anyone? Any instance in which a government body can legally intervene in wellbeing decisions of parents for their children is a slippery slope. As Christians, we love the idea children who are interested in God can be supported by schools. But ……