Have your say: Gender Questioning Children

British Union Conference

Have your say: Gender Questioning Children

Lorraine McDonald, BUC Education Director

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," is alleged to have been said by Edmund Burke. Is it the only thing? This could be debated by many. However, the sentiment of this statement is what is really important. What does it mean? The fact is true that in this ever-increasing valueless and genderless society, each of us should feel a sense of responsibility to make our voice heard in an attempt to restrain the misdeeds of legislation that goes against our biblical worldview. We cannot sit back and say nothing. We must be "sighing and crying for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." (Ezekiel 9:4)

Steve Beegoo, Head of Education for Christian Concern, is doing just that. He has recently reported the following on his website: https://christianconcern.com/action/protect-christians-and-children-in-schools-from-trans-ideology/ (Excerpt only – full article available on the website)

In September 2022, Christian parents Nigel and Sally Rowe won a commitment from the government to reform guidance for schools on transgender issues.

They were the first parents to expose transgender ideology in primary schools as they objected to 6-year-olds being allowed to socially transition in their sons' Church of England Primary School.

Expert evidence was submitted to support the Rowes' position, and the Department for Education (DfE) decided to settle the case rather than allow their challenge to go to court.

The government has now brought out its draft guidance on gender questioning children and has opened up a consultation on the guidance. This is a very important consultation which we would encourage you to respond to. [Emphasis mine]

The guidance affects teachers, pupils and parents and will set the standard for what teachers and pupils are allowed to do. It is a significant step forward in protecting freedom of speech and telling schools that they do not have to allow children to socially transition. However, the government still needs to be held to account, and there are significant areas where the guidance should be improved.

Details

The consultation closes on Tuesday, 12 March 2024.

You can respond to the consultation online here (by clicking 'Continue' at the bottom of the page).

The draft guidance can be downloaded here. You may wish to have this open to read as you fill out the consultation.

You can also download a printable copy of our guide to responding.

As a People of the Book, we need to lend our voice to the above consultation. You may be wondering what to say and how. Join us on Sunday, 18 February 2024, from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm online as Dr Brighton Kavaloh, SEC PARL (Public Affairs and Religious Liberty) coordinator, explains the implications of the guidance and assists with how you can add your voice to this essential consultation. We need to speak up!

First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me By Pastor Martin Niemöller

Who will speak out for our children? Have your say!!