Creationism should be banned: MSP

CREATIONISM IS not a scientific principle and should not be taught in science lessons, according to a Holyrood minister.

In a letter to children’s minister Aileen Campbell, read out at Holyrood’s education committee, Science Minister Alasdair Allan said creationism “should not be part of science learning and teaching”.

The Scottish Secular Society has called for official guidance to ban the presentation of “creation and of young Earth doctrines as viable alternatives to the established science of evolution, common descent and deep time”.

The Scottish Government’s official response was that “there are no plans to issue guidance to schools or education authorities to prevent the presentation of creationism, intelligent design or similar doctrines by teachers or school visitors”.

The Educational Institute of Scotland has warned that “legislative interference in the content of the curriculum is both undesirable and unnecessary”.

Conservative education spokeswoman Mary Scanlon said Mr Allan’s comment “seems like pretty clear guidance to me” and asked if it would be circulated to councils.

Committee convener Stewart Maxwell clarified his comments were confined to a letter sent to Ms Campbell’s constituency office after an inquiry by one of her constituents.

The letter states: “In relation to school science teaching, guidance is provided by Education Scotland in line with Curriculum For Excellence.

“The guidance does not identify creationism as a scientific principle and consequently it is not and should not be part of science learning and teaching.

“Likewise, Education Scotland does not identify creationism as a scientific theory or a topic for inclusion within the curriculum.

“Therefore, creationism should not be taught within science lessons.”

The committee has agreed to write to the Scottish Government to clarify the points in the letter.