These are the messages that have been circulating in a Whatsapp group set up by a group of parents who don't want their children to be taught LGBT lessons in school.

More than 250 parents have joined the 'Manchester SRE Education' group to vent their anger about the new curriculum, which could see children being taught about LGBT rights from the age of four.

It comes after a nationwide row, following a government overhaul of sex and relationships lessons which says that going forward, children must be taught about LGBT issues.

Headlines about the 'No Outsider' programme rolled out at schools in Birmingham, sparked anger and concern for some Manchester parents who are anxious about what the government guidance will mean for their kids.

That scheme is not taught in Greater Manchester.

An academy trust in Birmingham has suspended the lessons after scores of parents staged protests claiming they 'promoted homosexual behaviour'.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Now a Whatsapp group has been formed by parents in Manchester, who say they will continue to 'apply pressure' to prevent their children being taught about LGBT rights.

Some of the messages, seen by the Manchester Evening News, are derogatory and homophobic in nature.

One parent wrote: "Plus couple teachers are gay in the school as it is and they frequently talk to kids... what's the need? Indirect manipulation.

"Teachers are getting away with pep classroom talk. This needs to be addressed but said that, focus should be on lessons NOT the teacher's bloody personal gay lives.

"These are implored tactics."

Another said: "There [sic] personal agendas and ideas pushed on children regardless of their faith.

"IT'S WRONG."

(Image: MEN Media)

Schools including Claremont primary in Rusholme and Plymouth Grove in Longsight, William Hulme in Whalley Range and MEA Central in Levenshulme, have been contacted by parents.

One parent posted on the group: "My son's teacher is gay. And has been talking about his views to 6 year olds. He has made his views clear even on social media."

Another wrote: "I spoke to my child how did schola [sic] go he was not happy he told me that there [sic] teacher have been talking about gays and lesbians in year five."

(Image: MEN Media)

(Image: MEN Media)

Government guidance issued in February, states that 'at the point where schools consider it appropriate,' they can teach pupils about LGBT equality and rights.

"They should ensure that this content is fully integrated into their programmes of study for this area of the curriculum, rather than delivered as a standalone unit or lesson," it says.

The guidance also states that individual schools are required to make a statement of policy on their provision of relationships education and sex and relationship education, and set out the circumstances in which a pupil can be excused.

Coun Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, said: "Some of these comments are offensive, clearly homophobic, and completely unacceptable. They certainly don't reflect the views of the vast majority of people in our city.

"A lot of misinformation is being circulated through the WhatsApp groups. The best thing for any parent who has a concern to do is to talk directly to their school and find out the facts from them.

"The vast majority of Manchester schools have been successfully teaching relationship education for some time and continue to do so.

"Manchester is a diverse and welcoming city that embraces many different faiths and cultures.

"We want all our children and young people to grow up understanding and respecting differences between people and to recognise their own role in responding positively to that diversity."

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Emma Meehan, Assistant Director of Public Affairs for LGBT Foundation said: "It is deeply concerning that LGBT teachers are being discussed and targeted in WhatsApp groups, in which a small number of people are spreading misinformation in an attempt to build opposition to LGBT inclusive families and relationships education in school.

"Teachers should be authentic role models who represent the broad and rich diversity of people who make up our local communities.

"The idea that LGBT teachers are promoting an ‘agenda’ is reminiscent of the pernicious Section 28 legislation, where teachers were banned from speaking about LGBT people and relationships in schools, and this had a profound and lasting impact on the LGBT community.

"That’s why LGBT Foundation has this week written to all schools in Greater Manchester calling for inclusive education that supports LGBT young people and builds strong, cohesive and united communities."

'The idea that LGBT teachers are promoting an agenda is reminiscent of Section 28 legislation'

Emma Meehan, assistant director of public affairs at the LGBT Foundation said: "It is deeply concerning that LGBT teachers are being discussed and targeted in WhatsApp groups, in which a small number of people are spreading misinformation in an attempt to build opposition to LGBT inclusive families and relationships education in school.

"Teachers should be authentic role models who represent the broad and rich diversity of people who make up our local communities.

"The idea that LGBT teachers are promoting an ‘agenda’ is reminiscent of the pernicious Section 28 legislation, where teachers were banned from speaking about LGBT people and relationships in schools, and this had a profound and lasting impact on the LGBT community.

"That’s why LGBT Foundation has this week written to all schools in Greater Manchester calling for inclusive education that supports LGBT young people and builds strong, cohesive and united communities."