Menu
22/06/2007
Teen in High Court battle over purity ring
A 16-year-old girl who has accused her school of discriminating against Christians by not allowing her to wear a silver chastity ring is taking her case to the High Court.
Lydia Playfoot wanted to wear the ring, part of the US Christian movement the 'Silver Ring Thing', as a way of showing her commitment to remain a virgin until she got married.
The ring is a small band inscribed with a verse from 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 - 4: "God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin. Then each of you will control your body and live in holiness and honour."
However, Millais School, a non-denominational secondary school in Horsham in West Sussex, told her to remove the ring because it broke the school uniform regulations on jewellery.
Miss Playfoot is arguing that the school's stance on the issue is in breach of Article 9 of the Human Rights Act, which protects an individual's right to practice their religion or beliefs.
She said that Sikh and Muslim pupils are allowed to wear headscarves, trousers and kara bracelets because of their religion.
However, Millais School has argued that Miss Playfoot's human rights are not being breached because the ring is not an integral part of the Christian faith.
Friends and individuals are thought to be funding Miss Playfoot's court case. The case is also receiving backing from traditionalist Christians and from a number of politicians, including former Conservative party chairman Lord Tebbit and Tory MP Ann Widdecombe.
(KMcA)
Lydia Playfoot wanted to wear the ring, part of the US Christian movement the 'Silver Ring Thing', as a way of showing her commitment to remain a virgin until she got married.
The ring is a small band inscribed with a verse from 1 Thessalonians 4: 3 - 4: "God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin. Then each of you will control your body and live in holiness and honour."
However, Millais School, a non-denominational secondary school in Horsham in West Sussex, told her to remove the ring because it broke the school uniform regulations on jewellery.
Miss Playfoot is arguing that the school's stance on the issue is in breach of Article 9 of the Human Rights Act, which protects an individual's right to practice their religion or beliefs.
She said that Sikh and Muslim pupils are allowed to wear headscarves, trousers and kara bracelets because of their religion.
However, Millais School has argued that Miss Playfoot's human rights are not being breached because the ring is not an integral part of the Christian faith.
Friends and individuals are thought to be funding Miss Playfoot's court case. The case is also receiving backing from traditionalist Christians and from a number of politicians, including former Conservative party chairman Lord Tebbit and Tory MP Ann Widdecombe.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 November 2005
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
26 September 2014
Police 'Smash' National Prostitution Ring
Police have "smashed" a national prostitution ring, believed to have trafficked women into the UK and forced them to work in brothels. Police have confirmed that they have arrested 15 people on suspicion of conspiracy to manage and control brothels after raids on homes in the Midlands and south of England on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Police 'Smash' National Prostitution Ring
Police have "smashed" a national prostitution ring, believed to have trafficked women into the UK and forced them to work in brothels. Police have confirmed that they have arrested 15 people on suspicion of conspiracy to manage and control brothels after raids on homes in the Midlands and south of England on Tuesday and Wednesday.
14 November 2008
£82m 'Congestion-Busting' Scheme Welcomed
A multi-million pound congestion-busting road scheme has been welcomed by the Transport Secretary. The £50 million final stage of Leeds' vital Inner Ring Road was officially opened today by Geoff Hoon, who also saw progress on the soon-to-be-completed £32m East Leeds Link Road during his visit to the city.
£82m 'Congestion-Busting' Scheme Welcomed
A multi-million pound congestion-busting road scheme has been welcomed by the Transport Secretary. The £50 million final stage of Leeds' vital Inner Ring Road was officially opened today by Geoff Hoon, who also saw progress on the soon-to-be-completed £32m East Leeds Link Road during his visit to the city.
05 December 2013
£1bn Towards Free School Meals
£1bn is being unlocked to fund the Department of Education's free school meals commitment. The news, announced by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, follows an announcement in September that every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch.
£1bn Towards Free School Meals
£1bn is being unlocked to fund the Department of Education's free school meals commitment. The news, announced by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, follows an announcement in September that every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools will receive a free school lunch.
02 October 2008
Free School Meals For Scots Primary School Pupils
All school pupils in primaries one to three in Scotland are to be entitled to free school meals following successful pilot schemes.
Free School Meals For Scots Primary School Pupils
All school pupils in primaries one to three in Scotland are to be entitled to free school meals following successful pilot schemes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
