The Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Amy-Lee Fraoli, raised the issue of young people in Scotland not being able to opt-out of religious observance in a face to face meeting with member of the Scottish cabinet.

Pleased to have made the case to @scotgov on why Young People, not their parents, should hold the right to opt out of religious observance in schools. @OfficialSYP supports @humanistsociety My Belief, My choice campaign on the issue! #Article12 #Article14

— Amy Lee Fraioli MSYP (@AmyLeeMSYP) March 6, 2018

The My Beliefs, My Choice campaign of Humanist Society Scotland is trying to change the law to respect children and young people’s rights with regard to their Freedom of Religion and Belief. Currently pupils in Scottish schools are not allowed to decide if they take part in acts of religious worship during the school day, including those 16 and over.

In December a joint letter to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney, was signed by the Scottish Youth Parliament and other youth representatives groups in an effort to have the Scottish Government change the law to respect young people’s rights enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

You can help us to campaign on this issue by adding your voice and sending a letter to your MSP telling them you support the campaign and asking them to take action.

Young people can also download a free guide to their rights regarding religion in schools, with a similar booklet also being available for parents.