ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between religion and the evolution of legal frameworks that govern the inclusion and exclusion of knowledge about homosexuality within the curricula of British schools. Although the equalities discourse in relation to sexual orientation is strong, it has not been successful in supplanting the notion that a state-funded faith school should be permitted to teach about homosexuality from the perspective of its particular faith ethos The significant influence of religion in sexual orientation sphere of lawmaking is demonstrated by the struggle over the repeal of Section 28 which involved negotations between Government and religious leaders and which has left a legacy in relation to the requirements for sex and relationships education. Although all schools, regardless of religious designation, are now prohibited by equality legislation from discriminating against pupils based on sexual orienta -tion, religious interests and considerations have played an important role in maintaining education relating to homosexuality as non-statutory knowledge.
