Opinion: Hot Issue - Is there a need to protect the young fromreligion?

YES - Andrew Copson, education officer, British Humanist Association

The most wonderful thing we can do for young people is let them explore for themselves the rich diversity of human culture. That includes educating them about religious philosophies, as well as about humanist and other secular philosophies. Unfortunately, too many religions have a tendency to deny young people access to certain knowledge or opinions. We have a duty of care not to let young people be indoctrinated in this way.

YES - Terry Sanderson, president, National Secular Society

I've been campaigning for a long time for religious education to be taken out of schools. That does not mean to say that there should be no notion of religion, but that it should be included in things like history and geography where it's relevant. It should not be a subject on its own. People who are attracted to that kind of teaching are generally enthusiasts who have to spread the word.