LGBT+ lessons: Senior police officer demands end to protests outside Birmingham schools

'A primary school is no place for the continuance of a large scale protest,' officer says

Protests against LGBT+ equality lessons in Birmingham should come to an end as they have no place outside primary schools, a senior police chief has said.

West Midlands Police is also investigating a number of criminal offences that have taken place outside Anderton Park Primary School in Birmingham, added Chief Constable Dave Thompson.

The school has been the scene of daily protests for several weeks.

Officers were at the school earlier this week after demonstrators said “hundreds” of pupils were withdrawn from lessons to protest against children being taught about same-sex parents.

The force also received reports of assault and criminal damage on the road of the school over the weekend, as well as reports of malicious communications received by headteacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson.

She told trade title Schools Week that she had been accused of being a paedophile in one voicemail.

Having received abuse from protesters based outside the school gates for weeks, Ms Hewitt-Clarkson called on the force for support earlier this month and said there were police markers on her house.

The force's chief constable has now stepped in to express his "increasing concern" over the protests.

A “primary school is no place for the continuance of a large scale protest," he said.

"In this holy period of Ramadan, and as we celebrate Pride in our city, I urge those involved and those who can influence these events to think again and consider how they can come together to discuss these strongly held views and bring this protest to an end," he added.

His comments followed claims that LGBT+ activists were pelted with eggs outside the school.

"In the last 24 hours, a number of criminal offences have taken place that the force will investigate and seek to bring people to justice," he said. "As a citizen of this city, I have observed these protests and the rhetoric around them with increasing concern. West Midlands Police values and celebrates the diversity of this area.

"We believe the strength of this city is in tolerant and diverse communities. Sadly, this is not the image of Birmingham that these events are projecting around the country and the world."

Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who supports the work of West Midlands Police, said that “protests and threats have no place outside of the school gates.”

He added: "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.”

Speaking to school leaders earlier this month, Ofsted's chief inspector Amanda Spielman said it was “unacceptable” for parents to intimidate teachers carrying out LGBT+ classes.

Damian Hinds, education secretary, has also called for more dialogue between schools and parents.