Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Having repeatedly raised the issue of the promotion of transgender ideology to vulnerable young people, I greatly welcome today’s news that the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has scrapped guidance which claimed children can become aware that they are transgender “between the ages of three and five”.
“This dangerous nonsense should never have been carried by the CCEA. Welcome as this step is, however, there is need for wider change across the education system.
“In September last year I exposed the fact that the School Information Management System (SIMS), a useful tool which contains much legitimate information about pupils such as their attendance record, test scores and medical history, was updated to allow a pupil to advise teachers of pronouns which are only to be used in school. This opened up the possibility of John going off to school and insisting that, without the knowledge of either or both parents, he is referred to as she and called Janine within the school setting.
“Additionally, I have highlighted the fact that within the library service books are being provided to young children which feed gender confusion.
“I and my party are clear when it comes to these matters. We oppose these dangerous and foolish ideas and while today’s news is welcome, much more needs to be done.”