Labour-led councils in northern England issue guidance to teachers, cautioning that artwork by schoolchildren could be seen as blasphemous under Islamic law. The advice urges educators to avoid assigning drawings of the Prophet Mohammed or other prophets.

Key Guidance for Schools

The document emphasizes sensitivity toward religious beliefs. It explains that three-dimensional images of humans are viewed as idolatrous by some Muslims. Schools must take care not to request reproductions of Jesus, Mohammed, or other figures recognized as prophets in Islam.

This resource aims to foster understanding of diverse faiths and promote respectful practices in educational settings.

Political Response

Tory Shadow Equalities Minister Claire Coutinho criticizes the move, stating: “We always warned Labour’s proposed definition of Islamophobia risked creating a back-door blasphemy law. And now we’re seeing the consequences in Labour-run councils across the North of England. Guidance is being issued that says primary school children shouldn’t draw pictures that could be considered ‘blasphemous’. We must never have blasphemy laws in Britain. Giving special protections to one group undermines our sense of shared identity and will only lead to more resentment.”

The guidance sparks debate over balancing religious sensitivities with creative freedom in classrooms.