Prejudice and discrimination

The concept of prejudice

A preconceived, often negative opinion about an individual or a group before meeting them.

The concept of discrimination

The unfair physical treatment of people based on characteristics such as race, gender and age.

The concept of stereotyping

Having oversimplified/fixed belief about a specific group of people.

The concept of identity

The qualities such as beliefs and personality traits that make a person who they are

The life and work of Doreen Lawrence

A British campaigner who fought for decades to secure justice for her son's racially motivated murder, eventually becoming a life peer in the House of Lords to advocate for structural reforms.

The life of Stephen Lawrence

A Black British teenager from London who was unprovokedly murdered in a racist attack at a bus stop in 1993

The impact of Doreen Lawrence on racial equality

Her relentless advocacy exposed institutional flaws, fundamentally changing public perceptions of racism, police accountability, and judicial standards across the United Kingdom.

The findings of the Macpherson report

A landmark 1999 judicial inquiry into the investigation of Stephen Lawrence's death that concluded the Metropolitan Police Service was systematically "institutionally racist".

An understanding of how attitudes to homosexuality have changed in the British Christian population

Over recent decades, views have steadily transitioned from widespread theological condemnation toward growing acceptance and the creation of inclusive, affirming LGBTQ+ ministries.

Different perspectives about homosexuality: The Bible

Traditional interpretations cite passages in Leviticus and Paul's letters to condemn same-sex acts, whereas progressive interpretations emphasize overarching biblical messages of unconditional love, compassion, and justice.

Different perspectives about homosexuality: Evangelical Christians and the Church of Freedom

Generally maintain a conservative stance, defining marriage strictly as a lifelong covenant between a biological man and woman, though some emerging movements seek to balance traditional texts with pastoral grace.

Different perspectives about homosexuality: The Church of England and Jeffrey John

Intense internal theological debates following the 2003 appointment of Jeffrey John, an openly gay man in a celibate relationship, as Bishop of Reading, which was blocked due to traditionalist backlash.

Different perspectives about homosexuality: Dr Peter Vardy

The problem is that the Bible can be used to justify anything such as slavery

Different perspectives about homosexuality: Dr Jack Dominian

A prominent Roman Catholic psychiatrist who argued that the church should value the loving nature of a relationship over strict anatomical rules.

Different perspectives about homosexuality: The Catholic Church and Pope Francis

While formal Catechism doctrine still defines homosexual acts as intrinsically disordered, Pope Francis has shifted the pastoral tone toward welcome, famously stating "Who am I to judge?" and allowing priests to offer non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples.

Different perspectives on whether Christianity and homosexuality are incompatible

Traditionalists argue they are completely incompatible due to absolute scriptural definitions of creation and marriage, while liberals argue they are compatible because the core message of Jesus focuses on love, inclusion, and the dismantling of marginalization.

book of leviticus: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination”

The concept of free speech

The legal right to say what you think without the government stopping or punishing you.

The concept of hate speech

Using words to attack or insult a person or group because of their race, religion, or identity.

J.S. Mill’s argument against censoring immoral opinions

• banning offensive ideas is bad.

• arguing against them helps society find and understand the truth.

The law on hate speech (1986 Public Order Act)

Law that makes it a crime to use threatening or abusive words meant to stir up hatred against groups.