Key Highlights
- The Supreme Court has ruled that a curriculum not being ‘objective, critical, or pluralistic’ and its being ‘indoctrinating’ are ‘two sides of the same coin’.
- The ruling impacts collective worship laws in state schools in England, as it was originally related to Northern Ireland but now has broader implications.
- Humanists UK is calling on the UK Government to urgently review RE and collective worship laws in England following the judgment.
The Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications for Religious Education in England
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that a curriculum not being ‘objective, critical, or pluralistic’ is essentially equivalent to being ‘indoctrinating’. This judgment means that collective worship laws in state schools in England now require urgent review. The case, known as JR87, was brought by a non-religious parent and their child who won the case at the Northern Ireland High Court but lost at the Court of Appeal before taking it to the Supreme Court.
Background on the Case
The ruling stems from a case that originally concerned Northern Ireland’s Religious Education (RE) curriculum. However, its implications extend across the UK and specifically highlight the need for reform in England’s collective worship laws in state schools. These laws mandate that all state-funded schools provide a daily act of collective worship ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’, even in schools without a religious character.
Impact on Collective Worship and RE Laws
According to Lewis Young, Humanists UK’s Education Campaigns Manager, the ruling makes it clear that families cannot be respected in their human rights simply by being told they can opt out of a system that is fundamentally one-sided. He emphasized, “The position on faith-based RE and collective worship has become impossible to justify.” The UK Government must now urgently review these laws and move towards inclusive assemblies and teaching that respect every child’s freedom of belief.
Urgent Call for Reform
Humanists UK is advocating for a complete overhaul of the current RE and collective worship system in England. While the law still requires daily acts of collective worship, it often isolates or stigmatizes children who are not partakers. Moreover, many state faith schools offer single-faith-based education, leaving parents with few options. The organization believes that the stigma associated with withdrawal is significant enough to warrant review and potential reform.
Next Steps
To address these concerns, Humanists UK has called for an urgent review of collective worship laws in England. This call comes as part of a broader push towards more inclusive educational practices that respect the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of all students. The organization hopes to work closely with policymakers and educators to develop a system that is equitable and reflective of modern values.
For further information, media should contact Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick at [email protected] or phone 07881 625 378.
Additional resources include the Supreme Court ruling, statements from NI Humanists and Wales Humanists on the case, and more details about their work on collective worship.
Humanists UK is a national charity working on behalf of non-religious people, powered by over 150,000 members and supporters. The organization advances free thinking and promotes humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Their efforts are aimed at ensuring that every child’s education is inclusive and respectful of all beliefs.
