Teachers set to be protected against claims of blasphemy

Teachers could be given protection from claims of blasphemy under proposals reportedly set out in a new government-commissioned report.

- ATHENA STAVROU

The report will urge the Department for Education (DfE) to issue schools with statutory guidance to protect teachers' freedom of expression - including that schools should not automatically suspend teachers over blasphemy claims.

The guidance would also prevent schools from publicly identifying teachers involved and, unlike sex education, schools would not be obliged to consult parents, faith or community groups on educational content that might insult religious groups. It is thought the report has been influenced by recent blasphemy cases in the UK which have seen some teachers being forced into hiding.