Psychologist against LGBT+ lessons investigated by professional body for ‘unethical’ comments

Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett has spoken out against reforms to relationships education in schools

A prominent campaigner against relationship and sex education (RSE) lessons including sections on LGBT+ partnerships, is being investigated by her professional body over comments deemed to be "unethical".

The British Psychological Society said it was “extremely concerned” by the views expressed by chartered psychologist Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In a talk that was filmed, the Muslim convert who has led a campaign opposing mandatory RSE lessons in schools, said that many young Muslims were “turning to same-sex relationships because they haven’t had the guidance.”

It emerged after education experts have warned that recent protests outside two primary schools in Birmingham against LGBT+ inclusive lessons could spread across the country.

After MPs voted in favour of a compulsory LGBT+ inclusive curriculum last week, education professionals and politicians fear protests will grow unless the government and councils take action.

In the video of Dr Godfrey-Faussett, which has been viewed 37,000 times since it was uploaded in December, the psychologist argues that lessons on LGBT+ relationships – which use story books to teach about different families – are part of a “social engineering programme” to corrupt children."

She complains about the “queering of the Muslim community” and urges for people to “work psychologically or in a mental health capacity” with Muslims who were attracted to the same sex.

Dr Godfrey-Faussett, who set up the petition calling for parents to be able to opt out of relationships education, could now be removed from the British Psychological Society (BPS) over her remarks.

Its chief executive, Sarb Bajwa, said: “We feel her comments have the potential to undermine the public’s confidence in the psychology profession.”

He added: “The BPS believes Dr Godfrey-Faussett’s comments are unethical and potentially harmful and go against our commitment to ensure that no sexual orientation or gender identity is portrayed as inherently preferable to any other.”

Dr Godfrey-Faussett has been referred to the regulator Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) which is currently looking into whether it needs to take any action.

She told The Independent: “I said publicly that young Muslims with same-sex attraction should be given psychological support and not be ostracised from the community but offered a non-judgmental space to talk through any issues they may be facing. I was in no way referring to conversion therapy which I know is illegal.”