A Christian mother in UK was kicked out of her four-year-old son’s school after complaining that he was forced to take part in an LGBT pride parade, a court has heard.
Izzy Montague, 38, said she was told by the headmaster of Heavers Farm Primary School in South Norwood, south-east London that her son could not opt out of the event in June 2018.
The school sent a letter to parents on June 19 inviting them to participate in a Pride march and ‘celebrate the differences that make them and their family special.’
Ms Montague then contacted the school ‘and asked that her son’s attendance on June 29 be excused because they were concerned that he was involved in a public display of adherence to views that she did not accept.’
Her application was rejected by director Susan Papas, London’s Central County Court has heard.
Giving evidence, Ms Papas said the mother was banned from the school because the staff ‘did not feel safe around her’.
Ms. Papas told the audience that the aim of the parade was ‘to bring everything together, to have a happy and joyous event at the end of the year.’
‘Where we could get everyone together and say they were proud of what they’ve learned and reflect on the topics we’ve covered throughout the year, bringing everyone together with everyone’s families.’
Ms Montague has claimed that the school ‘messed with’ her son, after her complaint was filed giving him a three-hour detention.
He was banned from the school after a number of concerns surrounding his behavior towards staff, the court heard.
‘What were you trying to accomplish by banning Mrs. Montague from school?’ asked Mr Clarke.
Ms Papas said: ‘I was trying to support members of staff who said they didn’t feel safe with her.
‘I was hesitant about it, and discussed it with the Chairman of Governors, Graham Cluer (corr), I didn’t want to make things worse.
‘The chairman of the governors reminded me of my duty to take care of the staff because the staff were complaining that they felt very unsafe around them, I had to take action.’
Ms Montague, with the support of the Christian Legal Centre, took legal action against the school for direct and indirect discrimination, victimization and breach of legal duty under the Education Act 1996 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
It is the first time that a UK court will examine the legality of imposing LGBT ideology in primary schools.
The hearing continues.
