Orthodox rabbi says Jews should choose death over ‘compliance’ with LGBT-inclusive education in schools
The Orthodox rabbi said that LGBT-inclusive education was “shameful”. (Manchester Beth Din)
An Orthodox rabbi in Manchester has said that Jewish people should choose death before they “comply” with compulsory LGBT-inclusive education.
Relationships and sex education (RSE) that is inclusive of characteristics protected by the Equality Act, such as sexual orientation and religion, will become compulsory in 2020.
Gavriel Krausz is the former head of the Manchester Beth Din, a Jewish rabbinical court, and he told the Orthodox Jewish community that they should give up their lives rather than abide by the “shameful” law.
According to the Jewish Chronicle, Krausz spoke about his views at a recent protest meeting and now a flyer with his comments has been circulating around Orthodox Jewish schools.
The flyer reads: “One is obliged to give up one’s life rather than comply, as our ancestors did throughout the generations.
“Even if by refusing to comply with this shameful law the authorities will, God forbid, close down the schools and imprison those who do not abide by this law, one is not allowed to give in one iota.”
Gavriel Krausz also said that if “we capitulate and give in, we can chas vashalom (Heaven forbid) say goodbye to the next generation”.
His comments came after an Orthodox Jewish girls’ school in Salford was given a “requires improvement” rating by OFSTED last week for not teaching about the existence of same-sex relationships.
Other faith groups are also opposing the law on inclusive RSE law, and widespread protests against LGBT-inclusive education mainly by Muslim parents were seen this year outside primary schools in Birmingham.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan recently wrote to every headteacher in London to back the lessons.
He wrote: “Young people should be able to learn about healthy relationships of all kinds, and that includes LGBTQ+ relationships.
“I am proud to be mayor of a city that embraces differences and celebrates diversity. Bigotry, intolerance and discrimination have no place in London.”
