I read about his a couple of days ago. This is political correctness gone mad. Britain has such a diverse culture the education system has to make allowances for these kids. My kids go to a multicultural school, predominently Sikhs, i have no issues with them joining in Divali and celebrations such as these. I think it only adds to the kids acceptence of the diverseness within this society, especially in the Midlands where i live.
However, the line has to be drawn in forcing kids to pray or take part in a religious, rather than cultural practice. This is diabolical, how certain decision makers within the education system think that by doing this they are encompassing all cultures.
As for Sharia law in this country:-
llbh, I was referring to the recent decision by Lord Chief Justice Lord Philips that "Those entering into a contractual agreement can agree that the agreement shall be governed by a law other than English law." The problem is is that this ruling opens the door wide open for the most barbaric Islamic practices, such as honor killings, forced female circumcision, as well as forced marriages. The Chief Justice basically is saying that English law does not apply there, at least it could easily be construed to mean that.
There is no debate in this country as to whether Sharia law is going to supercede English law. Honor killings and forced female circumcision is not what this debate is about. If you think that allowing Muslims to practice Shariah law in this country is going to bring about these things you speak of you really have missed the point. Muslims in this country use the the elders in the Mosque in a similar way as JW's uses elders. For example with reference to marriage, a Muslim may get a divorce by the law of the land, but they may not with reference to their religion, the same for JW's. The debate in this country is how to allow shariah law run ALONGSIDE English law, not over and above it. To say that this will allow honor killings and forced female circumsion is scaremongering.
There is a large Muslim population in this country and IMO their views should be taken into consideration, whether that be in the education system, family life, etc, but not when it is in direct contradiction to the law of the land.
Paul