A Christian group behind dozens of British faith schools has denied being homophobic – after planning an event with an author who excuses the lessons of ‘normalizing sexual immorality’ (read: homophobia). Christian Education Europe provides faith-based education via two dozen faith schools across England, as well as materials for homeschooling. The religious schooling chain is facing questions this week over its ‘Unmasking Secular Religion’ event, which takes place in Reading on Saturday. The event is set to feature a speaker planning to talk about indoctrinating of our society. The listing states: “What are they teaching the children? Brian reveals the hidden dangers of the government’s scheme to challenge homophobia in primary schools (CHIPS).”
CHIPS is an anti-bullying scheme that aims to tackle homophobic language and bullying in primary schools, and has become popular in state schools. In book ‘What Are They Teaching Our Children’, published by fringe anti-LGBT group Christian Concern, Hadley claims that CHIPS “contributes to the normalisation of sexual immorality and the desensitisation of children to it”. He added that the anti-bullying scheme “inevitably forces the early sexualisation of very young children”. CEE oppose being connected to Hadley saying: “How does this show we’re homophobic? We certainly believe he’s got something worthwhile to say, and yes it’s about education, but it’s not directly about our schools. It’s his research.” The spokesperson added: “All of our schools have anti-bullying policies. This speaker has done some research and is suggesting some dangers of the CHIPS scheme. We wouldn’t have someone who is pro-bullying.”
