Institute Update Issue 2 - May 2002

Welsh teachers’ code also changed after Christian pleas

Christian teachers in Wales have succeeded in changing their new draft professional code which would have required them to respect gay rights against their conscience.

The original code of conduct from The General Teaching Council for Wales required all registered teachers to respect the “rights and needs of pupils, colleagues and others” having regard to, among other things, “sexual orientation”. Christians argued that respect should be for people not their behaviour.

The redrafted code now says that teachers are “committed to providing equal opportunities to pupils, colleagues and others” having regard to among other things, “sexual orientation”.

Chris Hess, Director of the Association of Christian Teachers in Wales said: “I am delighted that the ambiguous words ‘rights and needs’ are no longer used. I think the new phrasing is broad enough not to cause problems in the future for Christian teachers.”

Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, added: “The GTCW has made a genuine attempt to take on board Christian concerns. Our legal advice is that the new wording is a significant change, particularly when taken with the existing safeguards that already apply to teachers. I am glad that the GTCW has listened to Christian teachers’ concerns and redrafted the code”.

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