London - The teaching of creationism should be outlawed in school science lessons, a group of leading scientists has said.
And the curriculum should be changed to ensure evolution is taught from when children start school, according to academics including Sir David Attenborough and Professor Richard Dawkins
Those behind the call for “evolution not creationism” say teaching that God created the world is dangerous and must be prevented by law.
Drives by creationist groups at schools mean there is a sense of urgency, they add.
Evolution - the idea that we are shaped by advantageous genes being passed through generations over billions of years - does not feature in the national curriculum until the time of GCSEs.
The discussion of creationism and the theory of intelligent design - a view that evolution is fine-tuned by God- is encouraged but not part of the curriculum.
Prof Dawkins, a geneticist and author of the God Delusion, said: “We need to stop calling evolution a theory. It is as solidly demonstrated as any fact.”
Jack Valero, of Catholic Voices, said evolution should not be used to suggest God does not exist.
Dr Peter Saunders, of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said pupils should be taught to respect all views about how life began. - Daily Mail