Karen Adam MSP, Maggie Chapman MSP, Paul McLennan MSP and Marie McNair MSP agreed to support the general principles of the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, after several witnesses stressed their support for the basic premise of the bill.

Those members also noted the need for significant amendments to the bill to resolve the serious concerns that were raised about it.

Other members of the committee were not content with supporting the general principles. Rhoda Grant MSP felt that she was not able to make a recommendation, while Pam Gosal MSP and Tess White MSP said they could not support the general principles.

If the bill is passed, schools would need to inform pupils if a parent or guardian requests that they be withdrawn from religious education or observance. If a pupil objected to being withdrawn, the school would have to follow the pupil’s wishes.

Following concerns raised in evidence, the committee’s report recommends that the Scottish Government separate religious education and religious observance and considers unintended consequences such as the possibility of increased conflict between parents and children.

Additionally, the bill sets out how public authorities should act when their duties under the UNCRC Act conflict with other legal obligations. Witnesses raised concerns about why this part of the bill was needed and what kind of precedent it sets for future human rights legislation.

Karen Adam MSP, convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice committee, said: “The committee heard strong views on this bill during evidence, with very serious concerns being raised.

“However, given the clear support for the basic premise of the bill of furthering children’s rights from several witnesses, a majority of our committee recommend that Parliament support the general principles of the bill.

“We are clear though that substantial amendments will need to be made to respond to the significant concerns we heard.”