Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The Muslim Council of Britain has spoken:


State schools should avoid sex education classes and swimming lessons during Ramadan to cater for the needs of Muslim pupils, says the Muslim Council of Britain.

The recommendations, issued today, are included in a 72-page document of Muslim-friendly guidelines on topics such as uniform, halal meals, issues relating to Ramadan, physical education and sex education.


The report, called Towards Greater Understanding, draws on existing educational practices and is aimed at ensuring Muslim pupils are 'appropriately accommodated for' so they become part of mainstream school life.

State schools should avoid sex education classes and swimming lessons during Ramadan
Avoid teaching sex and relationship education, including aspects that are part of the science curriculum, because Muslims are not permitted to engage in sexual activity during the month of fasting and they are also expected to avoid sexual thoughts and conversation
Allow Muslim pupils to opt out of activities involving dance, music or drama - because their parents could object to it on religious grounds
Allow pupils to grow beards

The PC response:

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: "We think a good education is one of the best ways of building understanding of the many issues that unite, as opposed to the few that divide. It is important that education provides the right ethos which encourages social responsibility, high aspirations, good citizenship and mutual understanding; and that schools recognise the cultural and faith needs of all pupils."


Meanwhile, in saner news:

Girl loses appeal over veil ban


A 12-year-old Muslim girl has lost a legal challenge to her school's ban on wearing the niqab full-face veil.

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