Prejudice and discrimination in religion and belief
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what prejudice and discrimination are, and how Christian and non-religious views affect opinions on same-sex relationships.
Key learning points
- Prejudice means having unfair thoughts or feelings about someone before knowing them.
- Discrimination happens when prejudice leads to unfair treatment or actions.
- Same-sex sexuality was once criminalised in the UK but is now legally protected.
- Different Christian denominations have different views about same-sex relationships.
- Humanists believe everyone deserves equal treatment based on reason and fairness.
Keywords
Discrimination - actions that come from prejudice attitudes
Equality - belief that everyone is equal in value and worth
Prejudice - negative thoughts, feelings or beliefs about a person (prejudging them) based on a characteristic they have, e.g. their sexuality or ethnicity
Same-sex sexuality - being physically/sexually attracted to persons of the same gender
Common misconception
All Christians think same-sex sexuality is wrong.
Not all Christians believe same-sex sexuality is wrong, some denominations welcome same-sex couples. Even where same-sex acts are considered sinful, individuals with same-sex sexuality are not seen as sinful and should be treated with compassion.
Teacher tip
This topic involves identity, belief, and equality, so remind students of ground rules for respectful discussion and reassure them that the goal is to understand different perspectives, not to agree with all of them. This sets the tone for open, thoughtful learning.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What does UK law say about religious freedom?
Q2.What’s the main reason Christians share their beliefs?
Q3.Using freedom responsibly means:
Q4.Christians oppose and support others facing it.
Q5.What’s a misuse of censorship?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match each word to its correct meaning:
involves negative thoughts, feelings or beliefs about a person.
is the belief that everyone is equal in value and worth.
involves actions that come from prejudice attitudes.
Q2.What significant legal change regarding same-sex relationships occurred in the UK?
Q3.Which Christian denomination is known for welcoming same-sex couples?
Q4.The Act 1967 decriminalised homosexual acts in private between consenting adults in England and Wales.
Q5.Which denomination has recently allowed blessings for same-sex couples in its services?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Prejudice and discrimination in religion and belief, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Prejudice and discrimination in religion and belief, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, human rights and social justice unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.