A NEW campaign has been launched to end the effective “ban” on non-religious state schools.

Humanist Society Scotland says its research shows that most adults would support the foundation of community schools where there is no religious observance.

The organisation is asking parents to support a new petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to give headteachers the right to adopt a “non-religious community schools model” as an alternative to the current system.

While many youngsters in Scotland do not attend denominational schools, all state-funded schools require pupils to attend religious observance throughout term time to reflect the country’s Christian heritage.

Humanist Society Scotland says 60% of Scots consider themselves non-religious and 40% think removing individual pupils from religious observance in schools, as allowed under current practice, runs the risk of “stigmatising” youngsters.

However, another 40% did not believe withdrawing from such services would attract stigma, with the rest of respondents undecided on the matter.

Meanwhile, 60% said they were in favour of a new educational option, with only 10% against the idea.

The push comes as the country’s youngsters begin the new term’s teaching.

Launching the campaign, chief executive Gordon MacRae said: “Today’s figures demonstrate the broad support for a new, inclusive form of non-religious community school that reflects the diversity of modern Scotland.

“Many parents assume that only denominational schools in Scotland are faith schools.

“They are shocked when they learn that their local non-denominational school still host end-of-term prize-givings and whole school gatherings in a church as part of a church service.”

He went on: “Today’s figures reflect the fear of many parents that opting their child out of religious observance will stigmatise their child.

“Whilst there has been progress in schools that now include speakers from other faith and belief bodies, the law remains clear – non-denominational schools must provide religious observance that reflects the Christian heritage of Scotland.

“Parents and pupils are simply being denied a non-religious option that reflects the views and values of the majority of people in Scotland.

“We hope that the Scottish Parliament will listen to parents and expand the options available to educators, parents and pupils and establish non-religious community schools for the first time in Scotland.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: "Religious observance is a whole-school activity which should be sensitive to traditions and origins, and should seek to reflect these, but it must equally be sensitive to individual beliefs, whether these come from a faith or non-faith perspective. We encourage schools to discuss options with both parents and their children, particularly in the senior years.”