A Muslim psychologist who has played a leading role in opposing pro-LGBT lessons in schools is now being investigated by her professional governing body over her ability to practise.
Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett is a prominent figure in Stop RSE, a campaign against relationship and sex education (RSE) classes in schools.
Last week, parliament voted in favour of RSE lessons by a significant majority of 538 MPs with no Muslim MP voting against the bill.
This means primary school pupils will be taught about same-sex relations and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender values and lifestyles.
The vote took place after a popular parent-led protest in Birmingham over the pro-LGBT ‘No Outsiders’ programme being taught at Parkfield Community School.
Parents in Bradford, Oldham, Manchester and Blackburn have also reportedly started to oppose such programmes.
The National Secular Society (NSS) contacted the Health and Care Professions Council in writing, which regulates Dr Godfrey-Faussett, to enquire whether her views on homosexuality were compliant with its standards.
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In a letter seen by the Observer dated Monday 18 February, the NSS informed the council that the Stop RSE campaign contained “material which says the punishment for homosexuality is death. Our research has found that downloadable resources which were available on Stop RSE’s website as recently as last week [since withdrawn] included a book which endorses lashing and killing gay people.”
As a result of concerns raised by the NSS, the council has launched an investigation, gathering relevant information to assess it against the governing body’s conduct, performance and ethics standards.
A spokesman for the council told the Observer: “We are aware of concerns about Kate Godfrey-Faussett and are looking into what action, if any, we need to take. We have a duty of confidentiality to all parties involved and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
Commenting on the letter sent to the council by the NSS, Dr Godfrey-Faussett told the Observer: “I have simply tried to warn people of the underlying liberal secular agenda of RSE and the harm that it may cause children – and is, in fact, already causing based on reports I am receiving from parents.
“It is well known that if you speak out against the secular narrative they will silence you through smear campaigns and getting you struck off professionally.”
