We are concerned that the Government has not held a consultation on the implementation of The Relationships and Sexuality Education (N.I) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, that discriminates against the parent, contravening Section 76 of the N.I Act 1998, and The Human Rights Act 1998 Part II Article 2.

By introducing this legislation, the Secretary of State is going against parents' convictions and Article 9 of the European Court of Human Rights, which should be upheld throughout the entire education program.

• We want the Government to repeal the Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, which require secondary schools to deliver education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.

• We demand a full and proper, public consultation process to be carried out.

• We demand an urgent, independent review of all RSE/Gender Ideology teaching and guidance involving Schools (Board of Governors, Principals, Head Teachers, Teachers), Parents, and Churches.

REFERENCES

Human Rights Act 1998

Part II Article  2

RIGHT TO EDUCATION

No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions.

Northern Ireland Act 1998

Section 76

DISCRIMINATION BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

1. It shall be unlawful for a public authority carrying out functions relating to Northern Ireland to discriminate, or to aid or incite another person to discriminate, against a person or class of person on the ground of religious belief or political opinion.

2. An act which contravenes this section is actionable in Northern Ireland at the instance of any person adversely affected by it; and the court may—

1. grant damages;

2. subject to subsection (3), grant an injunction restraining the defendant from committing, causing or permitting further contraventions of this section.

3. Without prejudice to any other power to grant an injunction, a court may grant an injunction under subsection (2) only if satisfied that the defendant—

1. contravened this section on the occasion complained of and on more than one previous occasion; and

2. is likely to contravene this section again unless restrained by an injunction.

European Convention on Human Rights

Article 9

FREEDOM OF THOUGHT, CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION

1. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a fundamental right which is enshrined not only in the European Convention on Human Rights but also in a wide range of national, international and European texts.

2. Under the terms of Article 9 of the Convention,

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

2. Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”

3. Article 2 of Protocol No. 1 to the Convention concerns one specific aspect of freedom of religion, namely the right of parents to ensure the education of their children in accordance with their religious convictions:

“No person shall be denied the right to education. In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching for their children in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions.”