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A devout Christian mother was kicked out of her four-year-old son’s school after complaining that he was forced to take part in an LGBT pride parade, a court has heard.
Izzy Montague, 38, said she was told by the headmaster of Heavers Farm Primary School in South Norwood, south-east London that her son could not opt out of the event in June 2018.
The school sent a letter to parents on June 19 inviting them to participate in a Pride march and ‘celebrate the differences that make them and their family special.’
Ms Montague contacted the school “and asked that her son’s attendance on June 29 be excused because they were concerned that he was involved in a public display of adherence to views that she did not accept.”
His application was rejected by director Susan Papas, London’s Central County Court has heard.
Izzy Montague (pictured), 38, said the principal told her her son couldn’t opt out of the LGBT pride event in June 2018.
Giving evidence, Ms Papas said the mother was banned from the school because the staff “did not feel safe around her”.
Ms. Papas told the audience that the aim of the parade was “to bring everything together, to have a happy and joyous event at the end of the year.”
“Where we could get everyone together and say they were proud of what they’ve learned and reflect on the topics we’ve covered throughout the year, bringing everyone together with everyone’s families.”
Ian Clarke, representing the school, asked the headmaster: ‘What was the purpose behind home teaching at reception?
Ms. Papas responded, “The teaching at the reception was just knowing that there were different kinds of families in the class and that there were other families in the world.”
Judge Christopher Lethem said: ‘So there is no hierarchy of equals?’
Ms Papas said: “At the reception level, it was how everyone could feel comfortable that other families existed or if your family didn’t look like everyone else, that was fine.”
Mr Clarke asked: ‘Who do you mean by them?’
Heavers Farm Primary School (pictured) in South Norwood, south-east London, sent a letter to parents on June 19 inviting them to take part in a Pride march.
Mrs. Papas: ‘The children. So from the kids’ point of view, no matter what their family looks like, they feel comfortable and agree that it’s acceptable as a family.’
Ms Montague has claimed that the school “messed with” her son, after her complaint was filed giving him a three-hour detention.
He was banned from the school after a number of concerns surrounding his behavior towards staff, the court heard.
‘What were you trying to accomplish by banning Mrs. Montague from school?’ asked Mr Clarke.
Ms Papas said: ‘I was trying to support members of staff who said they didn’t feel safe with her.
‘I was hesitant about it, and discussed it with the Chairman of Governors, Graham Cluer (corr), I didn’t want to make things worse.
“The chairman of the governors reminded me of my duty to take care of the staff because the staff were complaining that they felt very unsafe around them, I had to take action.”
Michael Phillips, representing Ms. Montague, asked Ms. Papas: ‘Do you accept the fact that my client is someone who speaks louder than average?’
“Yes, he talks louder than average, but a lot of parents talk louder than average, a lot of staff talk louder than average,” Ms. Papas responded.
Ms Montague previously sparked controversy on ITV’s Good Morning Britain after telling a gay parent her sexuality “is a choice” during the debate over LGBT lessons in schools.
“Then could this be how Mrs. Montague talks?” mr phillips
‘I don’t accept that… the staff member who was at the school when she called said [Ms Montague] it was intimidating and threatening.’
‘Mrs Montague was looking for more information and an explanation of what was happening in this period, do you agree with that?’ asked Mr. Phillips.
“Yes,” replied Mrs. Papas.
‘That she was protesting that her son was not given class work to do [during his detention] and that you broke the behavior policy and that your son was discriminated against because of his behavior, do you accept that?’ Mr. Phillips said
‘No… He was given class work to do, he was not discriminated against,’ Ms. Papas replied.
‘You are dealing with a parent who thinks their child may be being [unfairly treated] Is it possible that what you’re seeing is a reaction and you shouldn’t take it personally, Phillips said.
“I wasn’t the one who took it personally,” Ms. Papas replied.
“All she wanted was transparency at the right time,” Mr. Phillips said.
“She had the information about what had happened and then I suggested that she sit down with the teacher of her son’s class, and they talked about what had happened,” the director replied.
Ms Montague’s husband, Shane Montague, previously told the court that he did not believe it was ‘the job of the school’ to teach children about same-sex families.
Ms Montague previously appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, where she sparked controversy after telling a gay parent her sexuality “is a choice” during the debate over LGBT lessons in schools.
Ms Montague, with the support of the Christian Legal Centre, took legal action against the school for direct and indirect discrimination, victimization and breach of legal duty under the Education Act 1996 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
It is the first time that a UK court will examine the legality of imposing LGBT ideology in primary schools.
The hearing continues.