Named person scheme

Sir,

Last year when I highlighted the problems of the Named Person Scheme none of the other parties standing were aware of the legislation that was passed early in 2015. A year on I am pleased that at least some of the other parties and candidates have woken up to the serious problems the named person plans bring, despite the well meaning intentions of those behind the plans.

The Named Person Scheme appoints a state guardian for every child which undermines the role of parents and will divert overstretched resources from those who most need it. It is not supported by many heath visitors and teachers who will be appointed to the role. It should be scrapped.

Letter: Named person scheme is symptom of deeper problems

3 May 2016

The named person scheme however is just a symptom of deeper problems within our political classes, which have been manifesting themselves in a variety of ways over recent years and continue to do so.

In Edinburgh, at the end of March there was a commitment from all major party leaders to further develop LGBTi rights. With the leaders of Labour, Conservative, UKIP and the Greens all identifying themselves as either lesbian, gay or bi-sexual it is quite logical that they might wish to promote and expand LGBTi rights.

However, all of the above along with the leaders of the SNP and Liberal party have backed the idea of reviewing gender recognition laws with it being reported that Nicola Sturgeon views this as one of her top priorities.

This change would mean allowing people to change the gender on their birth certificate using a simple self-declaration that they consider themselves to be of the opposite sex. Children would also be allowed to do this or they could choose to be of no gender - neither male nor female.

Rev David Robertson, Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland, was quoted as saying: “We ask does Nicola Sturgeon and her government now accept that there are not two genders, male and female, but many genders?

“Not content with the destruction of the traditional Christian ideas of sexuality and marriage, it appears as though the SNP are now seeking to destroy the traditional idea of gender.”

Further he added: “The SNP seem to be working on the unproven and somewhat bizarre notion that children get to choose their own gender and sexuality. We believe that this will result in confusion and brokenness amongst our children rather than fulfilled potential.”

Where does it end? We need a change of direction and only the Christian Party offer that alternative. The future of our children and grandchildren are at stake.

John Cormack

Scottish Christian Party Candidate