“TOXIC” protests outside a Birmingham primary school against LGBT+ equality lessons were permanently banned by a High-Court ruling yesterday.

The ban establishes an exclusion zone around Anderton Park Primary School, which has been targeted since March by demonstrations against education around same-sex relationships .

Explaining the ruling, Mr Justice Warby QC said the gatherings had an “adverse impact” on staff and students, with 21 teachers treated for stress.

An injunction was handed to three of the main protest organisers, Shakeel Afsar, Amir Ahmed and Rosina Afsar, two of whom do not have children at the school. 

The three were already subject to a temporary ban issued in June at the request of Birmingham City Council. 

During the five-day hearing in October, the court heard that “untrue” and “hurtful” allegations had been made about the school, including by a visiting imam. 

The Muslim cleric had claimed that a “paedophile” had been asked to speak to children about “anal sex.” 

Among other assertions, it was said that the school had a “paedophile agenda” and was “teaching children to masturbate.” 

Recounting these claims, the judge said: “None of this is true.”

The frequent protests, which involved the use of megaphones and a PA system outside classrooms, were described as “nasty” and “toxic” by head teacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson.

She reported receiving threatening letters because of the gatherings. 

The protests began earlier in the year after the introduction of picture books teaching various aspects of equality, such as some children having two mothers or two fathers. 

Protesters complained that four and five-year olds are too young to learn about same-sex relationships, demanding to be consulted and have their religious views taken into account.

The National Education Union (NEU) criticised the government for its role in the affair, claiming that Department for Education (DfE) guidance on inclusive relationships education in primary schools is “deliberately vague.”
 
NEU joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: “A major factor was that the DfE didn’t show leadership early on.

“The language in the DfE guidance about inclusive relationships education in primary schools is deliberately vague. 
 
“We need crystal-clear messages from the DfE about why primaries need to teach children about all families and welcome LGBT staff and parents.

“The safety and well-being of children is the most important issue.”