COUNCIL REFUSE BUS PASS FOR UN-BAPTISED SON
September 11, 2007 12:00 AM
Despite being accepted as a pupil at St Leonard's RCVA School, Durham, Elliot Stewart from Brasside who has started school this week has been refused a free bus pass because he has not been baptised.
When Elliot's mother enquired about a bus pass for Elliot with Durham County Council she was told that he could not be issued one as he has not been baptised. She was then advised by a Council employee to get Elliot baptised in order to get a bus pass.
Mrs Stewart contacted local MEP Fiona Hall who raised the issue with the Council and received a response to say that it is was agreed between the Roman Catholic Diocese and the County Council that for a child to qualify for free school transport both that child and at least one parent must have been baptised, the Liberal Democrat commented:
"I am surprised at the attitude of Durham County Council on this issue.
"Surely if a child is offered a place by a Roman Catholic school it is only fair for the County Council to provide transport to make it possible for the child to attend.
"Whether or not a child is baptised should be a matter for the parents, not the council.
"I am seeking clarification from the Roman Catholic Diocese and from the Schools Minister."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats