Lesbian, Gay and Bi Christians (LGB Christians) and our friends has cautiously welcomed ‘Flourishing for all’, the new Guidance on tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in Church of England schools.
This new guidance drops the term ‘trans child’ altogether and uses the description of ‘gender questioning’. We are pleased that it follows the Cass Review recommendations on the dangers of social transitioning, and takes note of the draft government guidances on RHSE (2024) and Gender Questioning Children (2023)
Professor Mark Chater, an experienced educationalist and core supporter of LGB Christians, added:
‘We were critical of the draft version sent out for consultation earlier this year. It was an improvement on the very ideologically based ‘Valuing All God’s Children’ but retained much of the language and concepts. It is good to see that most of our suggestions have been responded to positively, with the result that the new Guidance is a good basis not only for policy documents in schools but also for resourcing a respectful and realistic approach.’
LGB Christians endorse the focus on flourishing and the principle of children’s flourishing having its roots in love and security. We agree with the foundational principle that every child deserves to learn in an atmosphere where they are loved, supported and respected. We welcome the intention to ensure that every child, young person and adult is protected from harm, and has the dignity to live and learn without fear.
Looking to the future, Mark added: ‘We will be happy to work with the C of E on further revisions to the guidance to make it more robust and clear for school leaders, helping them to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate pressure and disinformation.’
LGB Christians and our friends is a national network of lesbian, gay and bi Christians, defending the rights of same-sex attracted people in the face of confusion caused by ideas which replace the biological reality of the two sexes with self-defined gender identities.
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