Mums back halal meal protest (From Oxford Mail)

Mums back halal meal protest

6:44pm Tuesday 8th January 2008 in News By George Hamilton

A petition against the use of halal meat in all children's meals at an Oxford school attracted more than 100 signatures yesterday.

Rose Hill Primary School has introduced halal meat - which is slaughtered in a specific way for consumption by Muslims - into all meat dishes for a trial period.

Parents of pupils at the school were only informed of the change on the last day of winter term, after halal meat had already been used in some dishes.

About 10 mums stood outside the school gates yesterday morning and afternoon to ask parents to add their signature to a petition calling on the school to offer a choice.

Claire Miller is pictured signing the petition using Sharon Haynes's back.

Headteacher Sue Mortimer said the school introduced halal meat because it was not forbidden by any religion or culture and would allow every pupil a greater choice of dishes. The decision would be reviewed in a few weeks.