A humanist has accused a Christian councillor of “religious discrimination” after “blocking” him from a committee that discusses how faith is taught in schools.

Andrew Edmonson said he is one about 217,000 people in West Sussex who are not religious.

But the former teacher, who is a volunteer with the British Humanist Asso- ciation (BHA), claimed he has been told his views mean he cannot sit on the county’s Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (Sacre).

Peter Griffiths, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for schools, said the rules meant Mr Edmonson could only observe and not vote.

But Mr Edmonson said: “The truth is that Coun Griffiths is a Christian who doesn’t want non-religious world views such as Humanism taught in West Sussex schools.

“It’s quite amazing how one Christian councillor can prevent 217,000 people from having any say in how their children are taught about religion and belief.

“They are paying for the schools and Coun Griffiths’ allowances and so should have the same rights as religious residents. “This is outright religious discrimination.”

According to the 2011 census, almost 27% of the residents of West Sussex are non-religious.

This equates to about 217,000 people.

The BHA claims that Humanists, who prefer individual thought and evidence above faith, are represented on about 70 out of 148 Sacre groups across the country.

Most of these are co-opted members, voted on by those already on the committee, although some are full members and some just observe.

It is the third time in seven years that Mr Edmonson has asked to sit on the West Sussex board.

Among those religions represented include Baha'I, Baptist Unions, Hinduism, Judaism and the Society of Friends.

It is chaired by Coun Griffiths, who represents Hurstpierpoint and Bolney and is a member of the Church of England Diocesan Synod. Currently the syllabus in West Sussex states that Christianity and at least one other religious community should be taught.

It also advises that, where appropriate, lessons about a religious community with a “significant local presence” and a secular world view are also possible.

A council spokesman said: “Sacre is a committee to advise the county council on religious education and collective worship.

“In line with most Sacres across the country there is no Humanist repre- sentative on Sacre.”