Labour-controlled councils in northern England have released guidance for teachers, warning that schoolchildren’s artwork depicting prophets may be viewed as blasphemous under Islamic law.
Guidance on Religious Sensitivity
The document advises educators to refrain from instructing pupils to create images of Prophet Mohammed. It emphasizes: “Three-dimensional imagery of humans is considered idolatrous by some Muslims. It is very important the school understands this and is also careful not to ask its students to reproduce images of Jesus, Mohammed or other figures considered to be prophets in Islam.”
Aimed at primary schools, the guidance seeks to foster greater sensitivity around diverse faiths and beliefs.
Criticism from Conservatives
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.”
