Our website uses Cookies - by using this site or closing this message you're agreeing to our Terms & Conditions, Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
xReligious Observance and UNCRC Act amendment Bill: Stage 2 updates
Date: 15th December 2025
Category:
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Policies & procedures
The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill will be considered at Stage 2 tomorrow, 16th December 2025. Together is calling on MSPs to back key amendments to strengthen children’s rights protections.
Together has welcomed the Bill’s intent to strengthen children’s rights and clarify how the UNCRC Act will work in practice. However, our previous evidence and briefings have raised concerns that the Bill, as currently drafted, falls short of UNCRC standards.
Our Stage 2 briefing calls on the Committee to:
-
Support amendments creating a clear statutory right for children to withdraw from religious observance (RO);
-
Support amendments that distinguish RO from RME and protect curricular entitlements;
-
Support amendments strengthening guidance, monitoring and transparency;
-
Oppose amendments that restrict children’s agency or undermine the presumption of capacity; and
-
Support intention behind safeguards to the UNCRC carve-out while seeking stronger amendments at Stage 3.
Together remains committed to working with the Committee, the Scottish Government and MSPs to ensure this Bill delivers meaningful, practical improvements in the protection of children’s rights across Scotland.
- Read our briefing here.