The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the Christian-focused religious education taught in Northern Ireland schools breaches human rights law.
The case was brought by a Belfast father and his daughter, who argued that the curriculum — designed by the four main Christian churches — failed to present religion in a balanced or pluralistic way. Pupils from ages four to sixteen are required to study Christian teachings and the Bible, with little or no coverage of other faiths or non-religious perspectives.
In a unanimous judgment, the Court said the system places an “undue burden” on parents who wish to withdraw their children, and risks stigmatising those who do not share the Christian worldview.
Humanist groups hailed the ruling as a “historic win” for children’s rights, while campaigners say it should prompt wider reform of compulsory worship and religious education across the UK.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Education must now revise the syllabus to ensure it respects freedom of thought, conscience, and belief.
