Sadiq Khan backs LGBT education in response to Parkfield protests
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan with a young flag bearer during the Pride In London parade on July 7, 2018 in London, England. (Tristan Fewings/Getty)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has spoken out in support of LGBT+ relationships education, after activists led protests against inclusive education at UK schools.
The mayor, one of the country’s most senior Muslim politicians, spoke out after protests against inclusive education, which were sparked at Birmingham’s Parkfield primary school but have since spread elsewhere in the UK.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan: Young people must be able to learn about LGBT+ relationships
In a letter to Pride in London seen by PinkNews on Wednesday (April 10), Khan said he is “aware of the ongoing situation and will be monitoring any developments in London’s schools and communities.”
The elected official added: “It is vital that every single young person feels accepted, understood and included in our city.
“LGBT+ rights are a fundamental part of this and I want to send a clear message to the world that London is a place where all LGBT+ people can be out and proud.
“Our schools must be places where children feel safe and welcome, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, or that of their families.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (TfL)
“No child should have their learning disrupted or restricted by any form of discrimination.
“I believe young people should be able to learn about healthy relationships of all kinds at school, and that includes LGBT+ relationships. To do so is the very basis of our decency as a society.”
Khan was responding to a letter from Pride in London that raised concerns about the prospect that protests against LGBT+ education would spread to London.
Sadiq Khan: LGBT+ relationships are part of everyday life
The mayor, the former MP for Tooting, also welcomed Parliament’s overwhelming support for new guidance on LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education, which passed by a vote of 538 to 21 on March 27.
Khan added: “This will properly equip students to make safe and informed decisions, show that LGBT+ relationships are part of everyday life, and ensure that all Londoners can feel proud of who they are.
“I am proud to be mayor of a city that embraces differences and celebrates diversity. This is the bedrock of our history, our culture and our strength as Londoners.”
The mayor is a strong supporter of LGBT+ equality.
He has led the city’s Pride march every year since his election.
In 2018, Khan condemned protesters who hijacked the Pride in London parade and distributed anti-transgender resources.
