The Northern Ireland Office has been accused of attempting to “promote and normalise the ending of human life” with its current stance on abortion.
But Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart says teachers in Northern Ireland who have a “moral objection” should not be penalised.
The DUP MP was speaking after being contacted by those in the teaching profession at all levels.
Her discourse comes over the current RSE – Relationships and Sex Education – curriculum which is on the agenda.
The local MP said those opposed to the existing curriculum should “not face discrimination or career penalty for refusing to implement the Government’s proposals” in relation to its.
Said Mrs Lockhart said: “I despair that the NIO seem determined to make our classrooms a place where the ending of human life is promoted and normalised.
“We should be teaching our children and young people about hope, about the value of life, about every life reaching its potential.
“Instead, we now have a diktat from the Secretary of State that imposes abortion propaganda on your young people. It is a sad indictment on the priorities of some.
“In recent weeks many head teachers and teachers have contacted me expressing their concern that their right to religious belief, and their position on the right to life, will now be used to discriminate against them in the workplace.
“Teaching staff must have the right to opt-out, and it is important by exercising that right, that they face no penalty either directly, or indirectly by hindering career progression.
“I have raised these matters with the Secretary of State. We must have clarity on these issues and safeguarding of important rights for those who believe abortion to be wrong.”
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