Humanists call for end to unelected religious representatives sitting on education committees

Humanists have launched an education campaign called Enlighten Up, calling on the Scottish government to stop allowing unelected religious representatives to sit on council education committees.

The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) said it was time to end the “guessing game” for parents and ensure that every member of local authority education committees are accountable through the ballot box.

The society, which has over 14,000 members across Scotland, has published details of the 88 religious representatives who have been appointed to local authority education committees without a vote.

The report identifies examples of religious appointees who have full voting rights without ever seeking a mandate from the electorate.

In Clackmannanshire Pastor David Fraser, who believes Noah’s Ark has been discovered, sits on the committee.

Dr Nagy Iskander, who sits on the South Lanarkshire Council education committee has been described as one of Europe’s “most active” creationists.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign outside the Scottish Parliament, Gordon MacRae, HSS chief executive, said: “The presence of unelected religious representatives is anti-democratic and out of step with modern Scotland.

“Parents should not be left guessing who has a right to make decisions over their children’s education. Every full voting member of local education committees should be accountable through the ballot box.

“Instead religious groups, should have the same, not more, rights as teachers, parents, trade unions and community groups to contribute to and shape local education decisions.”

He added: “The law to force councils to appoint religious representatives only came in under the Conservative government in 1973. As we look to the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections we hope Scotland’s politicians will agree that it is time to end it once and for all.”