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Humanists' legal challenge to school religious observance Humanists' legal challenge to school religious observance
(about 1 hour later)
The Scottish government's decision not to allow older pupils to opt themselves out of religious observance is facing a legal challenge.The Scottish government's decision not to allow older pupils to opt themselves out of religious observance is facing a legal challenge.
The Humanist Society of Scotland (HSS) is seeking a judicial review of the policy.The Humanist Society of Scotland (HSS) is seeking a judicial review of the policy.
Earlier this year a United Nations committee called on the government to change its guidelines.Earlier this year a United Nations committee called on the government to change its guidelines.
All children in Scotland need parental permission to withdraw from religious activities like assemblies.All children in Scotland need parental permission to withdraw from religious activities like assemblies.
But sixth form students in England and Wales, normally aged between 16 and 18, have the right to make their own decision about opting out.But sixth form students in England and Wales, normally aged between 16 and 18, have the right to make their own decision about opting out.
Gordon MacRae, the chief executive of the HSS, said: "Today in Scotland young people are trusted to get married, join the army and vote in elections and for the constitutional future of Scotland.Gordon MacRae, the chief executive of the HSS, said: "Today in Scotland young people are trusted to get married, join the army and vote in elections and for the constitutional future of Scotland.
"However, Scottish ministers still do not trust them to make their own decisions about attending religious observance or to give young people the same rights as those living in England and Wales.""However, Scottish ministers still do not trust them to make their own decisions about attending religious observance or to give young people the same rights as those living in England and Wales."
Religious observance must take place in Scottish schools at least six times a year.Religious observance must take place in Scottish schools at least six times a year.
In June, a report by the UN committee on the rights of the child highlighted the fact that children in Scotland are not able to legally withdraw from religious observance.In June, a report by the UN committee on the rights of the child highlighted the fact that children in Scotland are not able to legally withdraw from religious observance.
It recommended that laws requiring compulsory attendance at religious worship are scrapped.It recommended that laws requiring compulsory attendance at religious worship are scrapped.
However, the Scottish government ruled out a review of the policy.However, the Scottish government ruled out a review of the policy.
In a letter to the HSS, a senior civil servant said religious and moral education, as well as religious observance "must take place in a pluralistic manner that accords respect to both religious and non-religious beliefs".
Now the humanist group have submitted papers to the Court of Session. It believes the government may have acted unlawfully by refusing to ensure their guidance remains in line with international humans rights law.Now the humanist group have submitted papers to the Court of Session. It believes the government may have acted unlawfully by refusing to ensure their guidance remains in line with international humans rights law.
'Outdated requirement''Outdated requirement'
Mr MacRae said: "For sometime now, Humanist Society Scotland has been calling on the Scottish government to update its policy on Religious observance.Mr MacRae said: "For sometime now, Humanist Society Scotland has been calling on the Scottish government to update its policy on Religious observance.
"I had hoped that if they would not listen to us then at least they would listen to the United Nations children's rights committee."I had hoped that if they would not listen to us then at least they would listen to the United Nations children's rights committee.
"We have worked with a number of organisations and individuals over the years to seek to reform religious observance, most notably the Church of Scotland in 2014, with whom we issued a joint call for reform."We have worked with a number of organisations and individuals over the years to seek to reform religious observance, most notably the Church of Scotland in 2014, with whom we issued a joint call for reform.
"Sadly our efforts to seek progressive reform of this outdated requirement of Scottish education has failed."Sadly our efforts to seek progressive reform of this outdated requirement of Scottish education has failed.
"The Scottish government's policy on religious observance is a mess, a classic political fudge. Our young people deserve better.""The Scottish government's policy on religious observance is a mess, a classic political fudge. Our young people deserve better."