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Council leader eyes use of PSPO to stop disturbances outside primary school

Birmingham City Council’s leader has threatened to use a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to stop disturbances outside a primary school.

Religious protestors have been present at Anderton Park school claiming that it teaches about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender matters to children who are inappropriately young for this.

Local reports said children had been kept home because of this and incidents had occurred between the protesters and counter demonstrators.

Leader Ian Ward said: “This absolutely has to stop and I've asked council officers to see if we could use a PSPO to counter these demonstrations.

“If a PSPO is not appropriate, then we will look at alternative options, because the children and staff at have a right to attend school without this daily disruption. 

“It’s one thing for parents to ask questions about elements of a school curriculum. It’s quite another for others to pounce on the situation as an excuse to peddle hatred and misinformation.”

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson said protests at Anderton Park, and some other Birmingham schools, over their curriculum on equality had previously been lawful but “a number of criminal offences have taken place that the force will investigate and seek to bring people to justice”.

Chief Constable Thompson said he intended to both participate in the Birmingham Pride march and fast with Muslim colleagues and communities during Ramadan and it was possible to celebrate and respect both but “sadly this is not the image of Birmingham that these events are projecting around the country and the world”.

He said: “It is very important all those involved in the dispute at Anderton Park recognise the adverse impact this is having on the reputation of the city, broader cohesion and most importantly the children at this school. Views are entrenching with a determination to win this argument. “

Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “Teachers should be free to get on with teaching a full curriculum, that highlights and explains Britain’s full diversity without fear of protests or threats. All forms of equality are equally important.

“As a former head teacher, I understand full well that schools need to work with parents and would encourage productive dialogue to continue.

“I must emphasise though that protests and threats have no place outside of the school gates and where there is evidence of criminality the police will be investigating thoroughly.”

Mark Smulian