Hello.

Welcome to this lesson on Christianity, prejudice and discrimination.

My name's Mrs. Rawbone, and I'm going to be working with you today.

In today's lesson, you will be able to explain what prejudice and discrimination are, and how Christian and non-religious views affect opinions on same-sex relationships.

Key words that we'll be using today are discrimination, equality, prejudice, and same-sex sexuality.

Discrimination is actions that come from prejudiced attitudes.

Equality is the belief that everyone is equal in value and worth.

Prejudice is negative thoughts, feelings, or beliefs about a person, prejudging them, based on a characteristic they have, for example, their sexuality or ethnicity.

Same-sex sexuality is being physically or sexually attracted to persons of the same gender.

Today's lesson will form two parts.

We'll be looking at understanding prejudice and discrimination, and beliefs about same-sex sexuality.

So let's get started on understanding prejudice and discrimination.

Andeep and Laura are discussing what is meant by equality.

Andeep says, "For me, equality is the belief that everyone is equal in value and worth.

It means treating everyone the same." Laura responds, "I agree that everyone is equal in value and worth, but people are different, so they sometimes need different support to have the same opportunity." Andeep and Laura agree on what equality means.

Why might they have different ideas about how it can be achieved? If you're able to pause and turn and talk to someone nearby, or you can talk to me, please do, and come back when you're ready to move on.

Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Article Two states, "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without distinction of any kind." Prejudice and discrimination go against human rights, because no one should be treated unfairly for who they are.

The United Declaration of Human Rights sets a global standard for equality, dignity, and fairness for all people.

The terms prejudice and discrimination come from Latin.

Prejudice has two parts, prae for pre, meaning before, and judicium, judgement from judice.

Prejudice, therefore literally means to judge before.

It's come to mean negative thoughts, feelings, or beliefs about a person based on a characteristic they have.

Discrimination comes from the Latin word discriminare, which means to divide or distinguish.

It originally meant to separate or divide, and it's now come to refer to actions or behaviour that comes from prejudiced attitudes.

So in other words, actions that actually separate or divide people that distinguish them negatively in some way.

Let's check your understanding.

What is discrimination? Take a moment, pause the video, jot down your answer, and come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You might have written something along the lines of actions that come from prejudiced attitudes.

So well done if you emphasised the fact that discrimination is acting on prejudice.

Prejudice is harmful.

When it leads to discrimination, it causes even more harm.

So a prejudiced attitude might be, for instance, believing that women are not as good at science or maths as men.

This is harmful because it's spreading unfair beliefs that could damage someone's confidence.

It could encourage negative attitudes in other people as well.

However, when it leads to discrimination, for example, refusing to let a girl join the school's advanced maths group because she's female, this is more harmful because it turns unfair beliefs into actions that actually limit that person's chances and deny them opportunities.

Prejudice is negative beliefs about someone and it's an internal attitude.

Discrimination happens when a person or group with more power acts on their prejudice and treats others unfairly.

So prejudice, along with power, leads to discrimination.

And unfortunately, those with less power are more vulnerable to harm.

Here we can see a diagram listing the protected characteristics under the Equality Act of 2010.

So in order to ensure fairness, UK law lists nine protected characteristics, and the law forbids discrimination against people based on these traits.

On the diagram, we can see listed race and ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

These categories are protected because historically they've been targets of prejudice or exclusion.

I'd like to check your understanding on protected characteristics.

So take a moment to name a protected characteristic under UK law.

Pause the video if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said any one of the following nine.

Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

So well done if you managed to remember one of those characteristics.

Humanists UK has an Equality and Diversity Policy that supports the Equality Act of 2010, and it promotes inclusion.

The organisation campaigns and opposes all forms of discrimination.

Brandon is a humanist and he says, "We humanists believe every person has equal moral worth.

Discrimination goes against reason, fairness, and human rights.

As a humanist, I challenge unfairness and I support equality for all." Christian attitudes to prejudice and discrimination are informed by different sources of authority, including, Bible, Church teachings, the example of other Christians, Christian ethical theories such as natural law and situation ethics, their conscience and their ability to reason.

Christians may interpret the sources differently or emphasise one more than another.

The Bible is a source of wisdom and authority for Christians on prejudice and discrimination.

Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them." What does this quotation suggest about the value of people? So take a moment to think about it in the context of prejudice and discrimination.

Turn and talk to someone nearby if you can, or you can pause and talk to me, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

It suggests that every person has equal value and God-given dignity, regardless of differences.

"Love your neighbour as yourself." Mark 12:31.

Have a think again about the context of prejudice and discrimination.

What do Jesus' words suggest about how people should be treated? Take a moment, pause the video, turn and talk to someone nearby if you can, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

It suggests that all people deserve love and respect.

Christians must treat others with compassion, not judgement or exclusion.

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28.

What do these words written by Paul, one of the early Christians, suggest believing in Christ means for people? Take a moment, pause the video, turn and talk to someone nearby if you can, or you can speak to me, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

It suggests that all people deserve love and respect.

Christians must treat others with compassion, not judgement or exclusion.

So let's check your understanding.

What is the missing word? "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all in Christ Jesus." And this is Paul in Galatians 3:28.

Pause the video so you can jot down your answer, and then come back when you're ready to check.

So well done if you spotted that the missing word was one.

"You are all one in Christ Jesus." The Inclusive Methodist Church initiative emphasises the importance of equal opportunity and diversity.

Louise says, "As a Methodist, I believe that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and should be fully included in the life of the Church and society.

I support justice, challenge discrimination and welcome people from all backgrounds.

The United Reformed Church's equalities policy welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds.

Simon says, "As a member of the United Reformed Church, I believe everyone is made in God's image and should be treated with dignity.

I speak out against discrimination and help make the Church and society more welcoming to all." The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 1,935 teaches that discrimination is sinful.

Individual Catholic organisations create their own policies on equality.

James says, "As a Catholic, I believe God created all people with equal worth.

Discrimination goes against God's wishes, so I treat others with compassion and stand up for those who are treated unfairly." Quakers in Britain have an Equality and Diversity Policy that aligns with their core teachings.

They believe there is that of God in everyone.

John says, "As a Quaker, I believe that because God is in everyone, all people are equal in worth.

I act with simplicity, fairness and care, challenging discrimination wherever I see it, and working for a world where everyone is treated with respect." Which denomination argues that there is that a God in everyone? Take a moment.

You're gonna be choosing from A, Roman Catholicism, B, Methodism, C, Baptist, or D, Quakers.

Pause the video so you can jot down your answer, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

So well done if you put Quakers.

For Task A, on understanding prejudice and discrimination, Alex and Aisha are working on the question, "Explain, from either two religions or two religious traditions, beliefs about prejudice and discrimination." Expand on their explanations by filling in the missing parts.

Alex says, "One Christian belief on prejudice and discrimination is that all people are equal." I'd like you to develop that point and to name a source of authority, explain what it says that's related to the points.

You can see that I've said to you, the importance of that source of authority is that this means Christians should not treat anyone as less valuable because of their race, gender, or background.

Aisha says, "Another Christian belief on prejudice and discrimination is that human life is sacred." Again, I'd like you to develop her points, to name and explain what a source of wisdom and authority says that's related to her points, and the importance of that, as I've described, is that prejudice and discrimination ignore the inherent dignity of human beings.

Take your time.

This is a really important skill to develop at GCSE, the ability to expand on a point and to link it with sources of wisdom and authority.

Pause the video.

Come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could've said for Alex's point that one Christian belief on prejudice and discrimination is that all people are equal, that this is because Christians believe everyone is one in Christ and should be treated fairly.

For a source of wisdom and authority, you could've explained that the Bible says, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," and that's in Galatians 3:28.

And of course, that links the point I've made about importance that Christians should not treat anyone as less valuable because of their race, gender or background.

For the second point, another Christian belief on prejudice and discrimination is that human life is sacred.

You could've developed that by saying, this means everyone should be treated with dignity.

And the source of wisdom and authority here could be the Bible teaching that everyone was made in the image of God, Genesis 1:20, And hopefully you'll see that this links in with my point that prejudice and discrimination ignore the inherent dignity of human beings.

So, well done if you managed for both of those points to develop them and to link in a source of wisdom and authority.

Let's move on to the second part of our lesson on beliefs about same-sex sexuality.

There is a long history of discrimination against same-sex sexuality in the UK.

Looking back to 1533, same-sex acts were criminalised.

Male same-sex activity is made illegal in England.

In 1885, these laws were strengthened.

The Criminal Law Amendment Act makes all male same-sex acts illegal, even in private.

In 1967, there was partial decriminalisation.

Sex between two men over 21 is legal in private in England and Wales.

And in Scotland that was 1980, and Northern Ireland it was 1982.

In 2000, the military ban was lifted.

LGBT+ people can serve openly in the armed forces.

In 2002, adoption rights were granted.

Same-sex couples could legally adopt children.

In 2003, Section 28 was repealed.

This was a law banning the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

That was removed.

In 2004, civil partnerships were introduced.

Same-sex couples can have legal recognition of their relationship.

In 2010, the Equality Act protects people from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

In 2013, same-sex marriage becomes legal in England and Wales.

In Scotland this was 2014, and in Northern Ireland this was 2020.

And in 2017, the Alan Turing Law comes into place.

This means that pardons are given to those convicted under historic anti same-sex laws.

This map shows how far LGBT+ people are protected by the same rights and freedoms as non-LGBT+ people across the world.

It combines 15 policies, such as the legality of same-sex relationships, marriage and gender market changes, and it ranges from zero to a hundred, with a hundred being that they are the most equal.

I'd like you to look really carefully at the map and at the scale underneath, and I'd like to work out where in the world LGBT+ people are least likely to be protected by the same rights and freedoms as non-LGBT+ people.

So look really carefully.

We're looking for where they are least likely to be protected by the same rights and freedoms as non-LGBT+ people.

Pause the video.

Come back when you're ready to see the answer.

So, well done if you spotted it was the areas of the map that were in a darker shade of red.

This includes much of Africa, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda, and also some of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen.

The way in which Christians interpret the Bible has a huge influence on the teachings of different denominations on same-sex sexuality and on the views of individual Christians.

Here is a quotation that's often used to disagree with same-sex sexuality.

It says, "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman.

That is detestable." And that's in Leviticus 18:22.

So it might seem obvious that this verse suggests that same-sex sexuality, or at least acting on it, is wrong and sinful.

Now, it's important to bear in mind that the Bible is, of course, a translation from Hebrew, and some words just do not exist in Hebrew at all, like for instance, same-sex sexuality.

So there is some disagreement about how exactly this verse should be translated.

Some churches and Christians understand it as clearly teaching that same-sex acts are wrong.

Jason is a Roman Catholic priest, and he's explaining how his church interprets it.

Jason says, "This teaching shows that sexual activity belongs only you within marriage between a man and a woman.

Same-sex acts are wrong, but having a same-sex orientation is not sinful.

According to the Catechism paragraph 2,358, people must be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity." So Jason is expressing the official Church teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, which is that same-sex acts are wrong, so relationships themselves that are acted on are sinful, but actually having the same-sex sexuality in itself is not sinful, and people that do should be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

Other churches and Christians understand this verse as only applying to a particular time and place.

And as I've said, there are some people who disagree about how exactly it should be translated as well.

Ji-eun is a Methodist minister, and she's explaining how her church interprets the same teaching.

Ji-eun says, "This verse should be read in its historical context.

It's part of a set of laws given to the people of Israel, many of which Christians no longer follow.

We believe that Scripture must always be read through the lens of Christ's teaching on love and justice." Although most Christian denominations agree that same-sex orientation itself is not sinful, so some denominations teach that same-sex acts are sinful.

In the Church of England, there are mixed views on this.

So, some teachings are that they are sinful and others are that they're not.

It does vary depending on which church you go to.

And across the Anglican Church, of which the Church of England is part, views across the world are quite varied too.

The Methodist Church says, no, same-sex acts are not sinful.

However, Pentecostal churches tend to say that they are.

Quakers will say that they are not sinful.

But as we saw from what Jason said earlier, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that same-sex acts are sinful.

The United Reformed Church says that same-sex acts are not sinful.

So we can see a real spectrum of views there.

Some denominations allow same-sex marriage in church.

The Church of England does not do this at the moment, although there is debate about it.

They will, however, allow a blessing in church.

So that means that someone might marry legally, a same-sex couple might marry, and then they might go to their church for a blessing from the priest.

The Methodist Church allows same-sex marriage in church.

Pentecostal churches do not.

Quakers do.

The Roman Catholic Church does not.

The United Reformed Church does.

Some denominations allow LGBTQ+ individuals to be ordained as ministers or priests.

Now, the Church of England does in theory.

However, this is only if they are not in a same-sex relationship.

That's the official view anyway.

Although sometimes in practise, that can vary.

The Methodist Church does allow LGBTQ+ individuals to be ordained.

The Pentecostal churches do not.

Quakers do.

The Roman Catholic Church does not.

The United Reformed Church does.

So let's check your understanding.

Most Christian denominations agree that same-sex orientation itself is not sinful.

Is this true or false? I'd like you also to think about why.

So take a moment, pause if you need to, make sure you jot down not just whether it's true or false, but also your reasoning, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

So, well done if you put true, but why? Well, although some Christian denominations believe same-sex acts are wrong, they do distinguish between this and same-sex sexuality.

Article Two of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration, without distinction of any kind." So that means equal legal rights.

Same-sex people must have equal protection under the law.

Right to marriage and a family.

LGBTQ+ people should be allowed to marry and have children.

Fair treatment in employment.

So there should be no discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Equal access to education.

Schools must include and support LGBTQ+ students.

Freedom to express identity.

People must be free to show who they are and who they love.

Access to health and support.

LGBTQ+ people must receive equal and respectful care.

So this is what you would expect from looking at Article Two of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Zara and Faye are a same-sex couple.

They are both atheists, and they're commenting on the treatment of same-sex sexuality individuals within religion.

Zara says, "I think people should be free to live how they choose.

It's important that LGBTQ+ people feel accepted, whatever the setting." Faye says, "I don't follow religion, but I believe everyone should be treated equally.

Same-sex people shouldn't be excluded from any community." Mark and Simon are also a same-sex couple.

Mark is an agnostic and Simon is a Christian.

He attends a United Reformed Church.

They are commenting on the treatment of same-sex sexuality individuals within religion.

Mark says, "I respect religion, but I think it's wrong when people are treated differently because of who they love.

Equality matters to me." Simon says, "I attend a United Reformed Church which welcomes same-sex individuals and couples.

I hope more churches become open and inclusive." Brandon is a humanist.

He has been asked about his views on same-sex sexuality.

Brandon says, "Loving, committed relationships between people of the same sex should be respected just like any other.

What matters most is that a relationship is based on mutual care, respect and consent.

Everyone has the right to love who they choose without fear or shame." So how does this tie in with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? And for humanists, this will be an important source of authority.

So if you're able to turn and talk to someone nearby, please do.

You can pause the video, and you can also talk to me if you prefer.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

Well done if you remembered about Article Two and it states that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind.

Humanists are against prejudice and discrimination of any sort, and their support for same-sex sexuality can be seen in several areas.

Equality.

So they have full support for LGBTQ+ rights, and you can see this in the Humanist UK Equality Policy.

Humanists are also concerned about consent and harm.

For them, morality depends on consent and no harm.

This can be seen in the Amsterdam Declaration of 2002.

Secular law is important.

Laws shouldn't be based on religion, and we can see this in the Humanist UK writing on equal marriage.

Inclusive education is important.

So humanists support LGBTQ+ content in RSE lessons, and Humanist UK has an RSE campaign that supports this.

Let's check your understanding.

Which of the following best describes humanist views on same-sex sexuality? A, it is morally acceptable if it is consensual and causes no harm.

B, it should be accepted legally but not promoted in education.

C, it should be avoided because it does not lead to reproduction.

Or D, it is wrong because it contradicts traditional religious teachings.

So take a moment to think carefully about which of those options is correct, pause if you need to, and come back when you are ready to check.

So, well done if you put A.

It is absolutely acceptable, assuming that it's consensual and does not cause harm.

For part one of our task on beliefs about same-sex sexuality, I'd like you to decide whether the statements below support the statement, "Religious people should do more to stop discrimination against individuals with same-sex sexuality," or argue for a different point of view view.

You're going to complete the table by explaining how.

So the first argument is that Jesus taught love for all people.

The second, some Christians believe same-sex acts are morally wrong.

The third, all humans are made in God's image.

The fourth, they may worry that speaking out against discrimination looks like accepting those acts.

So take your time to think about whether it provides support or not, and to explain why.

Pause the video, come back when you're ready to move on.

Let's have a look at what you could have said.

For the first one, Jesus taught love for all people, that will clearly support the statement, because Jesus' teaching encourages Christians to treat everyone with compassion and challenge injustice.

For the second, some Christians believe same-sex acts are morally wrong, this does not support the statement, because this belief may lead Christians to avoid supporting LGBTQ+ rights in case it seems like they're approving of sin.

The third one, all humans are made in God's image, well, this could be used to support the statement, because the teaching means that everyone has equal worth and should not face discrimination.

And finally, speaking out against discrimination may look like accepting those acts, this does not support the statement, because it might be that some people fear that if they defend people with same-sex sexuality, this could be understood as approving of their behaviour.

Well done if you spotted how those different arguments could be used to support different views on this statement.

For part two of our task, I'd like you to write a non-religious response to the statement using the sentence starters below.

So the statement was, "Religious people should do more to stop discrimination against individuals with same-sex sexuality." Firstly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says everyone should be.

Discriminating against one because of their sexuality goes against basic humanist values because.

Same-sex individuals deserve the same freedoms as everyone else, which means.

So take your time, pause the video, think back over some of the non-religious responses we've considered today, write your paragraph, and then come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

Let's have a look at what you could have said.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says everyone should be treated equally, so everyone, regardless of their beliefs, has a moral responsibility to stand up against discrimination.

Discriminating against someone because of their sexuality goes against basic humanist values because humanists reject all forms of prejudice and believe religious ideas should evolve when they conflict with basic human rights and equality.

Same-sex individuals deserve the same freedoms as everyone else, which means all individuals, including religious people, can and should contribute towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

So, well done if you managed to explain each of those points and that would form a paragraph on non-religious views.

In today's lesson we have learned: That prejudice means forming unfair opinions or attitudes about someone without really knowing them.

That discrimination happens when people act unfairly towards others because of prejudice.

That in the past, same-sex relationships were illegal in the UK, but they are now legally recognised and protected.

That Christians hold a range of views on same-sex sexuality, with some believing same-sex acts are wrong and others fully supporting inclusion.

And that humanists believe all people should be treated equally, and they reject discrimination using reason and compassion.

Thank you so much for working with me today on this challenging content.