MUSLIMS.NET ARTICLE- Britons against sex classes for children

(Part of Al-jazeerah publishing)- CAIRO - With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world's largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.



"We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used," campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed "Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds" to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe' rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable."

The government has unveiled plans to offer sex classes for pupils as part of efforts to protect children from early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

ISLAMONLINE Article- Britons Against Sex Classes for Children

CAIRO - "Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong," Iqbal said. With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world's largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.

"We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used," campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed "Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds" to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe' rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable."

The government has unveiled plans to offer sex classes for pupils as part of efforts to protect children from early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

During the classes, children will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

Children, between the age of eight and 11, will also be taught about the biological aspects of sex.

They will also be taught to talk about peer pressure and their feelings.

A signature campaign has been also launched by Muslims to demand the dropping of the scheme.

Britain is home to nearly 2.4 million Muslims.

Values

The government argues that the classes are important to shield the children against abuses.

"Effective and early PSHE (personal, social and health education) lays vital foundations for sex and relationships education (SRE) in the future, because it involves the development of the personal and social skills necessary for positive relationships," said Terry Piggott, Rochdale's executive director of children's services.

He said all schools are required to set a policy outlining the provision of sex education, but each school creates its own individual program.

"Rochdale primary schools recognize the vital role they play in building on the learning established within the home and early years settings and in laying the foundations for more detailed SRE later on in secondary school.

"Parents and carers who have concerns should contact their child's school if they need further detail with regards to this aspect of the curriculum."

But the Muslim campaigner disputes the argument.

"Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong," Iqbal said.

"They need to be shown and taught what the boundaries of acceptable behavior are."

SOURCE: Islam Online

ROCHDALE OBSERVER ARTICLE- School sex class faces opposition

The following article appeared in the Rochdale Observer Newspaper highlighting the Rochdale Campaign by the Muslim Community on the SRE issue.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched against government plans to introduce sex and relationship education to primary school children as young as five.



Majed Iqbal, a Rochdale Muslim community activist, has set up a Facebook group and created a campaign video, which can be seen on the internet video site YouTube, to challenge the plans and he is urging both Muslim and non-Muslim parents to join.

He believes the onus is on parents to teach children about sex and not teachers.

The department for children, schools and families announced plans last year to make sex education and lessons about the dangers of drugs and alcoholcompulsory in primary and secondary schools under government moves to protect young people from pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

Under the proposals, which are still in the consultation process and are unlikely to come into force until next year, children will learn to talk about peer pressure and their feelings, in sex and relationship education (SRE) lessons.

They will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

Between the age of eight and 11 they will be taught about the biological aspects of sex.

Mr Iqbal, who says he hopes to ‘mobilise’ women to take an added interest in their children’s education, wants to engage with religious institutions such as mosques and churches to challenge the social values presented in the studies.

He will also be posting leaflets in English, Urdu and Bangla throughout Rochdale.

He said: "This is an issue that affects parents throughout Rochdale and the rest of the UK.

"We believe the teaching of SRE in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached and the resources used.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behaviour ‘safe’ rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behaviour acceptable."

He added: "Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong.

"They need to be shown and taught what the boundaries of acceptable behaviour are."

Mr Iqbal, who is inviting people to get involved via his blog www.majedsblog.wordpress.com, will also be holding awareness sessions so parents can understand SRE classes.

He said: "Though the campaign has a Muslim focus it does not mean that the wider community cannot get involved.

"These are concerns for all parents and we want to work with everybody to get the message to the government that this proposal is not welcome."

Terry Piggott, Rochdale’s executive director of children’s services, said all primary schools are required to have a policy that outlines the provision of SRE but each school creates its own individual programme.

The broader personal, social and health education and citizenship, including SRE – which includes learning about gender differences, relationships and feelings – would be made compulsory for the first time under the government proposals.

He said: "Effective and early PSHE lays vital foundations for sex and relationships education (SRE) in the future, because it involves the development of the personal and social skills necessary for positive relationships."

He added: "Rochdale primary schools recognise the vital role they play in building on the learning established within the home and early years settings and in laying the foundations for more detailed SRE later on in secondary school.

"Parents and carers who have concerns should contact their child’s school if they need further detail with regards to this aspect of the curriculum."

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- Sex education is parental responsibility says campaigner

The following article was published on the Asian News Site covering the Rochdale campaign against SRE for 5 year old primary school children.




A MUSLIM community activist is campaigning against government plans to introduce sex and relationship education to primary school children as young as five.

Rochdale blogger, Majed Iqbal set up a Facebook campaign this week and has created a campaign video which can be seen on you tube to challenge the plans and is urging both Muslims and non-Muslim parents to join.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families announced plans last year that sex education and lessons about the dangers of drugs and alcohol will become compulsory in primary and secondary schools under government plans to protect young people from pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

Under the proposals, which are unlikely to come into force until next year, children will learn to talk about peer pressure and their feelings, in sex and relationship education (SRE) lessons. They will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

Rochdale Observer Coverage on Hazel Blears Citizenship Courses for mosques

Rochdale Observer has run the story on Hazel Blears new initiative of introducing Citizenship courses in Mosques in Rochdale to combat "Radical Extremism". She has raised eyebrows with her speech at the policy Exchange seminar on 'Preventing Violent Extremism: the Government's Approach' as well as through her views expressed against not attending the Islam Expo event.



The observer article details views of Rochdales residents who primarily expressed real concern on the government agenda for Rochdale Muslims and its consequences on damaging rather than furthering relations with the Muslim community. Comments from the blog also appeared in the article highlighting a clear misrepresentation of the the governments views on tackling issues in Rochdale.

Despite the unsuccessful attempts of the previous communities secretary, Ruth kelly with her "Nasiha Project" to convince the Muslim community of the need for government sponsored courses for Mosques, Ms Blears believes somehow she will be succeed. This is despite the pilot area, Bradford, for the last project making a united stand against it.

Once again like her predecessor, Ms blears is working on galvanising support from individuals in the Muslim community to buy her idea and implement it.

Rochdale Observer Coverage of Extremism Event

Rochdale Observer covered the story of the Event tackling the discussions of Extremism and the muslim community.



Watch the video for the event by clicking on the "Question Time Video" tab on the top of the page.

Asian Image- Debate goes ahead despite MP backing out

Published on the Asian Image Website

A Question Time Event looking at "Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community" was attended by over two hundred people.



The heavily publicized event drew extra attention after Paul Rowen MP backed out of the debate stating he did not want to give the members of the group Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who were also invited, a platform to air their views.

Organizer Majed Iqbal, who runs the Rochdale based Blog on community affairs "Majeds Blog" chaired the event.

He said, "Many participants were angry with the actions of their local MP in his refusal to debate issues that matter to many British Muslims."

Asian News- Hundreds take part in Debate

Published in the Asian News- 13/02/2008

A public forum organised to discuss issues affecting Rochdale Muslims was hailed a success despite one of its key panellists pulling out of the event just days before.



The event, which was held in a 'Question Time' format, had been organised with local MP Paul Rowen to discuss extremism, Islam and the Muslim community. But Mr Rowen later declined the invitation because a member of Hitz-ut-Tahrir was also participating.

A spokesperson for Mr Rowen said: "Paul regrettably pulled out of the event after warnings from the police and other community organisations about giving publicity to Hizb-ut-Tahrir."

But organisers say despite Mr Rowen's absence, the event attracted over 200 people.

Organiser Majed Iqbal, who runs the popular blog on community affairs - Majeds Blog - said the event, held at Castlemere Community centre, gave the audience a platform to discuss issues at a grass root level.

Debate goes Ahead despite MP back out

The Question Time Event on "Extremism, Islam and the muslim community has raised debate and discussion even before the event ha started!! While Paul Rowen feels the heat from the debate and temperatures soar high in his own office as to what reason or arguement to put forward to "justify" his absence, the Muslim community is loking forward to a robust, open and frank discussion on the topic at hand.



Those whose minds and hearts are open will come ad entertain their concerns, looking for clear and credible answers in response; and those who hide behind false accusations only end up displaying their true colours.

Press Coverage of Rochdale Extremism Dialogue Event Advertisement

Rochdale has whole heartedly embraced the much awaited event titled "Extremism, Islam and the Muslim Community" which is to be staged this Saturday. The Event has been well advertised by various newspapers as well as interest shown by a Digital Television Channel to cover it for its news items. The folowing newspapers have covered the story so far.

Click on the images to go straight to the Articles written about the event organised through Majed's Blog.



The event has had very good publicity in the community. Over 1000 flyers were distributed on Friday after the Friday prayers in various mosques which were greeted with great pleasure from everyone. People felt a sense of enthusiasm that finally on a public level a discussion of such a nature where the community can participate is taking place in Rochdale.

Posters have been placed in shops, Community Centres, Cash and Carries where once again the people working at these places expressed great joy when the idea of the event was presented to them. We all look forward to an evening of vibrant discussion on a topic which is gaining immense attention from Politicians, Media and Government.

Cartoon Controversy- The Man Behind the Message

A draft article written for the Rochdale committee for Islamic Affairs (RCIA) for submission to the Rochdale Observer Newspaper

What started off as a little local difficulty about community integration in Denmark following the publication of the famously controversial cartoons has now escalated into a worldwide chasm. It would be naive to suggest that the journalists involved did not know what they were getting themselves into. On the contrary, they knew that it would spark off some form of controversy, as the man who was in the spotlight was none other than the bearer of the Message of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). A man, whose influence covers over 1.3 billion people in the world today.

News stations have beamed in images to our living rooms of protests in the Muslim world; venting utter disgust at the freedom which allowed such an act to take place. The UK saw mass mobilisation of people, addressing the matter at hand in local communities, newspapers, media and organised demonstrations.

It may seem surprising for everyone. What’s the big deal? Don’t celebrities get ridiculed in the press at their antics, their love and sex lives exposed on the front sheets of the tabloids, footballers wives spilling out their venom against their husbands, politicians getting caught in sleazy deals. This is the way the world works doesn’t it? So why make an exception when Cartoons of the Prophet of Islam are published in Europe. Its as the Editor of the newspaper put it, “Caricatures are part of European Culture”. Britain’s own newspapers can testify to that too.