At a special meeting of the Comhairle on Monday night (30th November), the council voted 23-4 to reject the controversial RHSP material to be used to teach Personal and Social education in schools across the islands.
Cllr Calum Maclean (Loch a Tuath) proposed and seconded by Cllr Gordon Murray (Stornoway North) put forward a motion to use materials that were being used by the Scottish Catholic Education Services with adjustments where appropriate.
After a long debate, a vote was taken and Cllr Maclean’s motion won by 23-4.
Cllr Maclean stated: “ “Some of the resources within the revised rshp.scot materials used in the teaching of Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood are in my opinion most inappropriate for teaching in our schools and a significant number of parents, carers, faith groups and staff voiced their concerns to us. I am relieved that a significant number of Councillors were also of the same opinion and voted to reject these resources. Now that Western Isles Schools are to adopt these alternative resources, I feel that this will relieve these anxieties.”
Cllr Murray stated : “ I am delighted that the Comhairle has listened to the concerns of the community and dismissed these inappropriate materials. Thanks to all those who supported Cllr Maclean and myself in what was quite a fraught debate.”
Voted for Cllr Maclean’s motion
Cllr Calum Macmillan
Cllr Iain MacNeil
Cllr Paul Steele
Cllr Iain Macleod
Cllr Roddy Mackay
Cllr John Mitchell
Cllr Grant Fulton
Cllr Angus Morrison
Cllr Norman Macdonald (Convenor)
Cllr Ranald Fraser
Cllr Neil Mackay
Cllr Gordon Murray
Cllr Iain Macaulay
Cllr Rae Mackenzie
Cllr Charlie Nicolson
Cllr Keith Dodson
Cllr Finlay Stewart
Cllr John Mackay
Cllr Kenny J Macleod
Cllr Kenny Macleod
Cllr John N Macleod
Cllr Donald Crichton
Cllr Calum Maclean
Voted against Cllr Maclean
Cllr Angus McCormack
Cllr Roddie Mackay (Leader)
Cllr Alasdair Macleod
Cllr Norman T Macdonald
