Gay rights teachers' code delayed ater institute campaign

Institute Update - Issue 1 - November 2001

Gay rights teachers’ code delayed after Institute campaign
General Teaching Council for England surprised by the size of response

The implementation of a proposed gay-rights code for teachers has been delayed following the action of a large number of Christian Institute supporters.

In May 2001 the newly established General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) began consulting on a “Professional Code for Teachers”.

This draft code requires teachers to “fully respect” differences of “sexual orientation”. The draft code intends to define teacher professionalism.

The Christian Institute produced a briefing, Cut the Clause, which showed that this would require teachers to promote gay rights.

The Institute said Christians respect people as people regardless of their way of life, but no Christian teacher can sign up to a professional code that requires them to respect behaviour which conflicts with morality.

The GTCE’s consultation ended on 20th July with the intention of introducing the Code on 1st October 2001. However, many Christian Institute supporters, outraged by the proposals and helped by our booklet, took part in the consultation.

The huge number of responses surprised the GTCE. The final version of the Code will not now be put to the Council for approval until February 2002 after which it will be introduced for all teachers within the state sector.

The Christian Institute is also campaigning against a similar code in Wales.

Legal Opinion:
Expert says code could result in disciplinary action against Christian teachers

A legal opinion has confirmed fears that a draft gay-rights teachers’ code could lead to Christian teachers being disciplined because of their biblical beliefs about sexual morality.

The draft teachers’ code says teachers must “fully respect” differences of sexual orientation.

John Bowers, an eminent QC and author of Employment Law, said that the code could be used by schools, local authorities and employment tribunals to punish legitimate expression of religious belief.

Although he believes that the higher courts may secure Christian teachers’ rights, this would mean lengthy and costly legal proceedings for Christian teachers.

'Cut the Clause' (England) can be viewed here
'Cut the Clause' (Wales) can be viewed here
The Christian Institute's briefing on the GTCE code, including John Bowers' legal opinion can be viewed here
The Christian Institute's briefing on the GTCW code, including John Bowers' legal opinion can be viewed here

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