Labour-run councils in northern England issue guidance to schools, warning that artwork depicting prophets, including Mohammed and Jesus, may offend Islamic beliefs and qualify as blasphemous.
Guidance on Religious Sensitivities
The directives advise teachers to exercise caution with pupils’ creative projects. They highlight that three-dimensional human figures can be seen as idolatrous by some Muslims. Schools must avoid assignments requiring images of Jesus, Mohammed, or other prophets recognized in Islam.
This advice aims to promote awareness of diverse faiths and beliefs in primary education settings.
Political Backlash
Tory Shadow Equalities Minister Claire Coutinho criticizes the move, stating: “We always warned Labour’s proposed definition of Islamophobia risked creating a back-door blasphemy law. And now we’re seeing the consequences in Labour-run councils across the North of England. Guidance is being issued that says primary school children shouldn’t draw pictures that could be considered ‘blasphemous’. We must never have blasphemy laws in Britain. Giving special protections to one group undermines our sense of shared identity and will only lead to more resentment.”
