They want them to scrap an 85-year-old law that obliges councils to appoint three religious representatives to their education committees. This has enabled the Church of Scotland and Catholic Church to block moves such as possible “joint campuses” of religious and non-denominational schools, the campaigners argue.
Last week Holyrood’s public petitions committee considered a petition by Edinburgh Secular Society (ESS) to end the legal right. Colin Emerson, vice-chair of the ESS, said it “privileges” Christianity. However, churches have defended the status quo, saying their own input into decisions is often invaluable.
“This discriminates against those of minority faiths and those of no faith,” Mr Emerson said. “This surely is an untenable position, particularly with the democratic changes occurring in Scotland.”
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