Majority of Scots say pupils should have right to opt out of RE class

An ‘overwhelming’ majority of Scots believe school pupils should decide for themselves whether to take part in religious observance.

A poll for the Humanist Society Scotland found that 66% support giving pupils an independent right to opt out, rather than leaving the decision solely with parents.

Support was consistent across all political parties, including 74% of SNP voters.

The research, carried out by Survation, comes ahead of the first vote on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood .

If passed, the legislation would allow pupils to opt in to religious observance (RO) and religious and moral education (RME) if their parents withdraw them.

However, pupils who wish to opt out of RO would still ne