Scottish Catholic Observer

Speaking at the Catholic Headteachers’ Association of Scotland (CHAS) conference last Thursday, the day of the local council elections, Scottish Education Minister Mike Russell (above) spoke to the Motherwell bishop, bishop for education, and the educators on the issue of same-sex ‘marriage.’

“It is not the intention of this government to force denominational schools, or anybody else, to teach something which is against their beliefs,” he said. “Nor would I personally, nor the government, permit any circumstances in which there is an interference in the right to speak the truth as an individual sees it, of course always with respect and fairness.”

Mr Russell was speaking as the Scottish public awaits the outcome of a government consultation on legalising same-sex ‘marriage,’ a proposal that has been vehemently opposed by the Catholic Church.

Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, highlighted press coverage in England that criticised Catholic schools for having the ‘audacity’ to teach a vision of marriage founded on Church doctrine. Asked, in light of this coverage, if he could understand the concerns of Catholic educators in Scotland, Mr Russell said: “I am happy to say once more that there is no intention and I wish to see no unintentional consequence that puts any people in a position where they cannot teach or express what they believe to be true.”

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— Pic: Paul McSherry