Religious schools discriminating against atheists

[MNersanonymous]

Dh and I are just having a discussion about this. The best state schools in our area are all religious and we, as atheists, feel discriminated against.

Could we take action against our local council under the religious discrimination legislation?!

Just curious really.

I wanted to add, that in my imaginary scenario, religious groups would be very quick to cry "persecution" and rightly so.

Why is it totally acceptable in reverse?

an excellent little fable from Rubber duck.

My own view is that we are stuck with state supported faith schools, but no more should be created, and where required special provision be made for the faithless. Religion is a matter for the home ,and churches, and private institutions, not for state financed schools.

I have baggage in this issue as I partly grew up in Northern Ireland. While in N. Ireland the segregation of the school system is largly sympton rather than cause...

Need I say more?

Im just in the process of looking at my local schools for ds1. I phoned one school to make a viewing arrangement and was immediately asked if we are a catholic family or not and that if my child was not baptised in that faith priority would be given to those that are. Another school which is supposed to be non denominational has "links" with a CoE church as does the third choice of school. Its bloody ridiculous that Im interrogated about my religious beliefs in my efforts to find an education for my son. I'm furious about the whole bloody thing. I shouldnt have to jump through hoops or "play a system". I dont believe in pretending to be something that Im not.

The Muslim are NOT excluded from assembly. They (or their parents) CHOOSE to leave.

But you've made up your mind already, haven't you?

I'd think very carefully before you use the word 'persecution' to Catholics in relation to education or indeed opportunities in general.

Some people my grandparents' age remember persecution all right.

They are being excluded even if they choose to stay in the assembly because they do not share the same religion. To be excluded within a school is almost as bad as being excluded from it.

And it's funny (except it's actually desperately sad) because in the education system as a whole the buzz word at the moment is INclusion.