0:00:11 > 0:00:14- Body of Christ.- Amen.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20The body of Christ.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21Amen.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27The body of Christ.
0:00:27 > 0:00:28Amen.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- The body of Christ.- Amen.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- The body of Christ.- Amen.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- The body of Christ.- Amen.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- The body of Christ.- Amen.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- The body of Christ.- Amen.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- The body of Christ.- Amen.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Cheese!
0:01:27 > 0:01:31You look absolutely gorgeous, Katie. Wasn't that a beautiful service?
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Yeah, just a shame about all those mobile phones going off.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39Does anybody else think that priest has a look of Daniel O'Donnell?
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- You're obsessed.- I always thought our Jamie would make a lovely priest.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- Oh, what, him? Yeah, he hasn't been inside a church since his own Holy Communion.- I have.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- I only mean because he's always been such a sensitive little soul, hasn't he?- What do you reckon, son?
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- Could you handle giving up girls and spending the rest of your life in a frock?- Are we going or what?
0:02:12 > 0:02:14What are you doing up here on your own?
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Oh, don't be such a misery, come on.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Things are really livening up downstairs. Kev's playing air guitar.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27COMPUTER BEEPS
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Just sit still! Jamie! Why haven't you got your uniform on? Have you seen the time?
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- I don't feel well. - Oh, don't be starting this again.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- I've not slept.- Jamie!
0:03:08 > 0:03:12It's not my fault you were playing Amy Winehouse till three this morning!
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Please, Mum. Look, I'll even help you tidy up.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Just get your uniform on.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23Ow!
0:03:50 > 0:03:52TURNS UP MUSIC ON HEADPHONES
0:04:07 > 0:04:09You need him now, eh?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Come on, son. Give it to him!
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Do it.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49PHONE RINGS
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Hello?
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Hiya, love.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11How was your day?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Same as usual.- Don't lie to me.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- What?- You never went in. I've had the school on the phone.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22What's going on, Jamie? This isn't like you.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- I didn't want to do games, that's all.- Why not?- Because I hate it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29I won't be a hypocrite, I couldn't stand PE myself,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33but you can't just go bunking off school whenever you feel like it.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37And where've you been all day? Anything could have happened to you.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39It was a one-off. I won't do it again.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Where do you think you're going? - To my room.- Yeah?
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Well, you can stay there and you're grounded for the rest of the week.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Hang on a sec. Come here.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Come here!
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- What's happened to your blazer? - I caught it on a fence.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00You caught it? Looks like you've gone ten rounds with Ricky Hatton.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01Just give it here.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05You've only had this a few weeks and look at the state of it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07It was an accident, I'm sorry, all right?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11MOBILE PHONE RINGS Jamie?
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Jamie!
0:06:31 > 0:06:34MOBILE PHONE BEEPS
0:06:42 > 0:06:44'You have one new message.'
0:06:44 > 0:06:47'You can't run away forever, gay boy!
0:06:47 > 0:06:49'Bender!'
0:06:49 > 0:06:51LAUGHTER IN BACKGROUND
0:07:00 > 0:07:03KNOCK AT DOOR
0:07:07 > 0:07:08I've brought you some tea.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12You left your phone downstairs.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Thanks.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22Jamie?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24What?
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- Is everything all right? - What do you mean?- Oh, I dunno...
0:07:27 > 0:07:32Bunking off school, coming home with your blazer ripped.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- Are you being bullied?- No!- You sure?
0:07:34 > 0:07:40- Mum, why do you always have to turn everything into some big drama? - OK, sorry, no need to get defensive.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52FRONT DOOR SHUTS You're late.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- Where are the kids? - Katie's gone to Joy's for her tea and Jamie's upstairs.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- I'm going to jump in the shower. - No, I need a word first.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Can't it wait?- No, it can't.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10It's Jamie.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- What about him? - I think he's getting bullied.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16I had a call from the school this morning to say he didn't go in today.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19And then he gets home and his blazer's all ripped,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21and I find tissues in his pocket covered in blood.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- He's probably just been in a fight. - Just?!
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Lads that age are always scrapping. Doesn't mean he's getting bullied.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Then how do you explain the message left on his phone?
0:08:30 > 0:08:35Yeah, all right, I shouldn't have listened, but I just had this feeling.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41It was a gang of lads, and they where shouting all kinds of vile abuse.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43I can't even say some of the words they were using.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45What like?
0:08:45 > 0:08:48They were basically saying he was gay.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- If I could get my hands on them... - Hey, hey. Come on.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54No good getting yourself all upset.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56You know what kids that age are like.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59They'll be picking on someone else tomorrow.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01But what if there's more to it?
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Look, we've all been picked on at school, got into fights.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11It's just part of life, it toughens you up.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15I don't send my son to school to be toughened up.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19I'm going to make an appointment with the Head tomorrow.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Don't get involved, you'll just make things worse.- How?
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Just let Jamie fight his own battles,
0:09:25 > 0:09:30otherwise he will end up turning into some big wimp.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35I'm getting a shower.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Just drop me at the bus stop, I'll be fine.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- What? So you can go AWOL again? - I won't, honest.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Everything's all right at school, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09Look, I know you think I'm ancient, but I do remember what it's like, you know?
0:10:09 > 0:10:14Kids get to your age and all they're bothered about is proving how hard they are.
0:10:14 > 0:10:20When I was your age, the cock of our year was this kid called Frank Brice.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Nasty little get, he was.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23At least a foot taller than me.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Everyone was terrified of him. One day, totally out of the blue,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29he offered me out for a fight after school.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34It spread like wildfire that there was gonna be this massive scrap on the playing fields.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I was bricking myself all day.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41He only singled me out because he thought I didn't stand a chance.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44That's how bullies operate.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Anyway, that afternoon, virtually every kid in the school was on
0:10:48 > 0:10:52that playing field, all wanting to see him knock seven bells out of me.
0:10:52 > 0:10:58- What happened? - Well, I just wanted to do a runner and never come back, you know?
0:10:58 > 0:11:02But I knew that wouldn't solve anything.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05So before Brice had a chance to start, do you know what I did?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I jumped up and headbutted him square on the nose.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Knocked him right to the ground.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15He was just lying there, totally stunned, blood running down his face.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Next thing, everyone's cheering, I'd suddenly become a hero.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26All I'm saying is, you only have to stand up to these bullies once,
0:11:26 > 0:11:28show them you're not a soft touch,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31and I can guarantee they won't come near you again.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34All right?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Mr Georgeson is ready for you now.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05My husband didn't want me to come here today.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11But after hearing that message,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I just couldn't sit back and do nothing.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14Have you still got it?
0:12:14 > 0:12:17No, I deleted it.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19It was on Jamie's phone,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23I just couldn't bear the thought of him hearing it.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Hmmm. Have you discussed it with him?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Not the message, no, but I did ask if he was being bullied.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- And?- He denied it.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36But you don't believe him?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39He's bound to deny it, isn't he?
0:12:39 > 0:12:43It's one thing being picked on for being overweight or having red hair.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46But this...
0:12:46 > 0:12:51He's such a sensitive kid, I mean, he isn't a fighter, it's just not in his nature.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I can see why he'd become a target.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Well, I can assure you
0:12:59 > 0:13:05that we have comprehensive anti-bullying and child protection policies in place.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09They state very clearly that no child should have to endure
0:13:09 > 0:13:12any form of verbal or physical aggression.
0:13:12 > 0:13:19Anyone found to be in breach of our code of conduct will be warned and, if necessary, punished.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24I'm just shocked that kids still think it's OK to use that kind of language.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28And Jamie's only 15, who knows what he's going to be when he grows up.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33Well, I think it's widely acknowledged these days that some children
0:13:33 > 0:13:36of a certain age do have issues surrounding their sexual identity.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39It can be seen as a normal part of adolescence.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42But with the right guidance and support,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45it's something that the vast majority of them will grow out of.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50And what about the ones who don't?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53How do you go about protecting them?
0:13:53 > 0:13:56As I'm sure you're aware, this school has
0:13:56 > 0:14:00a very proud Christian tradition, dating back to 1849,
0:14:00 > 0:14:06which is precisely why so many parents, like yourself, choose to send their children here.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13It is our goal to ensure that all of our students are prepared for life
0:14:13 > 0:14:18academically, spiritually, socially and morally.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Well, with all due respect, Mr Georgeson,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24after hearing that message I'd say some of them aren't prepared at all.
0:14:24 > 0:14:31I can promise you that I won't allow a handful of boys to tarnish the excellent reputation of this school.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36Only last term, our Year 11 students made this a record year.
0:14:36 > 0:14:4083% getting five or more GCSEs, an 8% increase on the previous year...
0:14:40 > 0:14:42I'm not disputing any of that.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46That's not why I'm here. If this was a case of racism, then I'm sure
0:14:46 > 0:14:52you'd be down on them like a ton of bricks, you'd be doing all sorts of workshops and courses and what not.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55I don't see why this should be treated any differently.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01We are seriously committed to eradicating all forms of bullying.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08But, as I'm sure you'll appreciate, we also have a moral obligation to achieve this in a sensitive
0:15:08 > 0:15:12manner which is in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic faith.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Fancied a change from Marian Keyes tonight, did you?
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Can't stop thinking about what the head said, that's all.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Listen to this.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves,
0:16:38 > 0:16:44nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49Sounds like we're all doomed. May as well just enjoy ourselves.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It's funny isn't it how you just go through life accepting it all?
0:16:52 > 0:16:53Never questioning any of it.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Speak for yourself.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I know you're a big cynic, but I reckon you still believe, deep down.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Nah. If you ask me, God's a bit like Father Christmas for grown-ups.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07You know he doesn't really exist but part of you wants to keep on believing anyway.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Try not to lose any sleep over all this, love.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16If Jamie really was in trouble then I'm sure he'd tell us.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23MOBILE PHONE BEEPS
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Kids have been calling each other horrible names ever since the beginning of time.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45It was exactly the same when I was at that school.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49I remember one poor lad in our year, camp as Christmas, he was.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Everyone made his life a misery.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57It got so bad his mother had to take him out of school.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59When you say everyone...?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- You as well?- Yeah, we didn't have a choice.- What do you mean?
0:18:05 > 0:18:11You were terrified if you didn't join in, they might turn their attention to you.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13So you just went along with it?
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- I was only a kid.- That's no excuse.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Come on, you were hardly an angel yourself at school.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- I never bullied anyone.- But you didn't actually see it as bullying at the time, it was just a laugh.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Oh, well, yeah I'm sure the kid you were all picking on, I'm sure he was splitting his sides.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32You know, I don't get it. Why is it that lads are so threatened by someone that they think is gay?
0:18:37 > 0:18:41You suddenly hit puberty and you don't know whether you're coming or going.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47Honestly, I believe most lads that age would go with anything if they thought they could get away with it.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49But they can't admit that, so they single out
0:18:49 > 0:18:54someone else instead, deflect all their own insecurities onto them.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Anyone who's a bit different will do.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- They just lash out to prove that they're 'normal'. - Is that what you did?
0:19:02 > 0:19:04I'm starting to wish I never opened my gob.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09No, come on, I'm interested. Some poor kid who's taken out of school because his life isn't worth living.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11I'd like to know what part you played in it.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Well, did you just call him names?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Hit him?
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Beat him up?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27< Don't turn your back on me.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30< I thought you were better than that, that's all.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31< It was a long time ago,
0:19:31 > 0:19:33I was just a kid, I'm not proud.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Yeah, well God help our Jamie if everyone in his school is as spineless as you are.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Do you not think you're blowing all this out of proportion?
0:19:38 > 0:19:44Even if he has been made a scapegoat, it doesn't mean anything, it doesn't mean he's actually gay.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46And what if he is?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Would you love him any less?
0:19:54 > 0:19:56All right, I won't lie. I'd be gutted.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58What dad wouldn't be?
0:20:21 > 0:20:22Jamie!
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I'm going now.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- You haven't had breakfast. - I'm not hungry.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Well, if you just hang on for a sec your dad can give you a lift.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- He's dropping Katie off. - No, it's all right.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36I'd rather get the bus.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Mum...
0:20:39 > 0:20:43You don't have to worry about me, you know? I'm gonna be fine.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Right, come on, Dolly Daydream. Let's be having you.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Ta, love. - Right you, have a lovely day.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Be a good girl.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00- I will. rag.- Where's mine?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06You're not still in a mood about last night, are you?
0:21:06 > 0:21:11Oh, come on, it's ridiculous, you can't punish me for something I did when I was a kid.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Jo?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Dave.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:23:18 > 0:23:25MUSIC: "Requiem Aeturnum"
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Dear Lord, forgive me for what I'm about to do.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52Keep my family safe, and give them all the love and happiness they deserve.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53Amen.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18'Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?
0:24:18 > 0:24:20'Do not be deceived.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29'We are seriously committed to eradicating all forms of bullying.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36'We also have a moral obligation to achieve this in a sensitive manner...
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'..which is in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic faith.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51'Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54'nor prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor the greedy,
0:24:54 > 0:24:59'nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.'
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Jo?
0:25:26 > 0:25:31- Hello.- Hello, Father.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Father!- Yes.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43It doesn't matter. Sorry.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:26:07 > 0:26:10MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:26:37 > 0:26:39GLASS SMASHES
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Jo?
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Oh, no. No! What have you done?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Oh, no!
0:27:22 > 0:27:24MOBILE PHONE RINGS
0:27:29 > 0:27:30Found your phone, then?
0:27:33 > 0:27:35What's happened?
0:27:39 > 0:27:41He's going to be all right.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43SHE SOBS
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Why, Jamie?
0:27:59 > 0:28:02How could you even think about doing something like this?
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Did you really want me or your dad to come home tonight and find you dead?
0:28:15 > 0:28:17Is that what you really wanted? Is it?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I'm sorry.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26What could possibly be so terrible that you would want to take your own life?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31I just...
0:28:31 > 0:28:33I couldn't handle it any more.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Handle what, son?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Come on, you can tell us.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Everything.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Can I ask you a question?
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Are you gay?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04It's OK.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Everything's going to be OK, I promise.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14If I'm being completely honest, I've always known.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19I think we both did, really.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Ever since he was a little boy.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28We could never put our finger on exactly what it was, but we knew he was different.
0:29:33 > 0:29:39And what did we do? We just buried our heads in the sand and pretended we hadn't noticed anything.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Can you imagine how lonely that must have made him feel?
0:29:50 > 0:29:55And then, to top it all, we put him in a school that believes being gay is a sin.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59No wonder he wanted to end it.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Does it bother you?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Well, it's a simple enough question, Dave.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17What would you prefer? A gay son or a dead son?
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- What do you think? - Then you've got to tell him.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23He needs to know that you love him no matter what.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36It must have been a terrible shock for both of you.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43After our last meeting,
0:30:43 > 0:30:48I informed Jamie's form teacher and other members of staff of the situation,
0:30:48 > 0:30:52so we could keep a special look out for him.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57But because Jamie didn't feel able to speak to us directly, there was very little else we could do.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02He didn't feel he could talk to anyone because he was being picked on for being gay.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07How could he possibly believe that anyone would understand when this school teaches that it's wrong?
0:31:07 > 0:31:13My husband came to this school 20 years ago. He said it was exactly the same then.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16He said that if you were singled out for being gay...
0:31:18 > 0:31:20..then your life wasn't worth living.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26Well, I can't comment on something that happened so long ago,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29but we've made great progress since then.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Mrs Shaw, I'm appalled by what has happened to Jamie,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35and I give you my personal guarantee
0:31:35 > 0:31:40I won't rest until the boys responsible have been named and punished.
0:31:40 > 0:31:46Dishing out punishments is all very well, but it's not going to change attitudes.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50So, if you're really serious about stamping this out for good,
0:31:50 > 0:31:56then you have to teach these kids that being gay doesn't make you any better or worse than anybody else.
0:31:56 > 0:32:03Mrs Shaw, I can assure you that I find all forms of prejudice totally repugnant.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08But at the same time, this school could never be seen to be advocating homosexuality
0:32:08 > 0:32:13any more than it would sex outside of marriage, or abortion.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16If it did, the majority of our parents here would be up in arms.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Well, if the parents are so ignorant,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22then is it any wonder their kids turn out to be such narrow-minded little thugs?
0:32:22 > 0:32:26I appreciate this is a very divisive issue,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29but there are fundamental principles at stake here.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35Like it or not, the Bible is very clear about the consequences
0:32:35 > 0:32:38for those who choose a homosexual lifestyle.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39Choose?!
0:32:39 > 0:32:42You don't choose your sexuality.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46The only thing you might choose is to hide it.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49You know, I may not be the most educated person on this earth,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53but you don't need a degree to work that one out.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55What sane person would choose that?
0:32:55 > 0:33:00To be bullied and persecuted on a daily basis
0:33:00 > 0:33:05so that you think the only option that you have is to commit su...
0:33:05 > 0:33:09I understand. You're angry and upset.
0:33:09 > 0:33:15Angry? My son would rather take his own life than face coming back to this school,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19and you sit there, and you tell me that nothing's going to change.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Mrs Shaw.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24Speak to Jamie.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Get him to name the boys responsible,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31and I promise you they will be dealt with most severely.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55It's my son, Father.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00I think he might be gay.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02In fact, I don't think, I know he is.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08How old is he?
0:34:08 > 0:34:1015.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14They grow up quickly these days.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20How do YOU feel about it?
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Fine.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30I just want him to be happy.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36It's not really me I'm worried about.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Er, it's him.
0:34:45 > 0:34:51I suppose what I really want to know is, do you think there'll still be a place for him in Heaven if he is?
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Is he a good lad?
0:34:57 > 0:35:04Father, I couldn't hope to have a more caring and thoughtful son.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09Then I'm pretty sure you've got nothing to worry about.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Let's face it, there's plenty of worse things he could be.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16I'd guess your son was the least of His worries.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18But isn't it a sin?
0:35:18 > 0:35:23Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- You OK?- Just feeling a bit stupid, that's all.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Why did you let things go so far?
0:35:42 > 0:35:46If only you'd told us it had got so bad, we could have done something.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50I do understand, you know.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52I went to that school myself.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57I saw first hand what it's like for kids who are picked on for being different in some way.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01I was hardly an angel myself, you know.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03When I look back,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06think about some of the stuff I did,
0:36:06 > 0:36:08I can't say it makes me proud.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- What do you mean? - It was easier to pick on someone you weren't scared of,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16someone you knew wouldn't fight back.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20I was nothing but a coward.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24But I bet you one thing.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27These lads who've been making your life hell, they'll grow up,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30maybe have kids of their own one day.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Then they'll look back and think about how they treated you,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36and they'll feel as ashamed as I do.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41You're braver than the whole lot of them put together,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43and I could not be more proud.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47I really mean that.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Come on. Let's get you inside.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01No living mortal has the right to pass judgment on another human being.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Nobody's perfect.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Not even me.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10SHE LAUGHS
0:37:10 > 0:37:13What about the Bible? I mean,
0:37:13 > 0:37:17the stuff that I've read made it pretty clear.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Ah, the Bible's pretty clear about a lot of things.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24You know, the real sinners in my book
0:37:24 > 0:37:29are those that cherry-pick those parts of the gospel to suit their own prejudices.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34It was not so long ago a parishioner would be excommunicated
0:37:34 > 0:37:37for being married to someone of a different faith,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40having a child out of wedlock, getting divorced.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43If that was STILL the case,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45well, Jesus...
0:37:48 > 0:37:50I'd have to turn away half the parish.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55So you don't think it really matters?
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Well, let's just say me and Rome
0:37:59 > 0:38:02don't exactly see eye to eye on this one.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05How do you mean?
0:38:05 > 0:38:11Well, I personally find it impossible to believe that the God that I've devoted my life to
0:38:11 > 0:38:16would turn his back on anyone for just being true to themselves.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36I went to see Mr Georgeson this morning.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41He told me that everybody had been praying for you.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44What? Praying that I don't pull through?
0:38:44 > 0:38:49Don't say that. He wants to help, Jamie.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52But he can only do that if you name the boys that drove you to do this.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Now, I know you're scared. I know.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58And we'll do everything we can to make sure this doesn't come back on you.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- I can't give you any names.- Why not?
0:39:00 > 0:39:05- Because we're not talking about one person, or a couple of lads.- Jamie!
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Mum, you don't understand, it was virtually every person in the school.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Why didn't you tell one of your teachers?
0:39:14 > 0:39:16You think they didn't already know?
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Mum, I want you to promise me,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26promise me that you will never send me back to that school again.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Mr Georgeson!
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Mr Georgeson.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Mrs Shaw. How's Jamie? - He's much better now.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47I'm very pleased to hear that.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51I did what you said.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54I asked him for names, and he told me.
0:39:57 > 0:40:04He told me that virtually every pupil in this school has verbally or physically abused him at some point.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Are you proud that your school sends out into this world
0:40:07 > 0:40:12young men that think it's acceptable to persecute someone for being gay?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18How much longer are you going to carry on turning a blind eye, allowing this to go on?
0:40:18 > 0:40:22Why don't you come inside and make an appointment with my secretary?
0:40:22 > 0:40:26What's the point? I mean, it's obvious I'd be wasting my breath.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Well, I'm sorry if that's how you feel.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Now, I'm afraid I've got a meeting to go to.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34They used to force kids to write with their right hand, didn't they?
0:40:34 > 0:40:40- I'm sorry?- Well, it wasn't that long ago that intelligent, educated men like yourself
0:40:40 > 0:40:45used to think it was the right thing to do to force people to be exactly the same.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50And we look back now and we think it's ridiculous because people aren't the same, are they?
0:40:51 > 0:40:54This is no different.
0:40:54 > 0:41:00Not every single pupil in this school will grow up and become straight.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04And you're doing them a major disservice by teaching them that.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07In fact, it's tantamount to child abuse.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11I really think that we should leave it there.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Tell me, Mr Georgeson,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16what would you do if one of your children came home and said they were gay?
0:41:16 > 0:41:21- Mrs Shaw...- Come on, now, it's a simple enough question. Would you turn your back on them?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25No.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I'd give them all the support they needed,
0:41:28 > 0:41:33using the wisdom of my faith to help them back onto the proper track.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35And what if they were already on it?
0:41:39 > 0:41:40I really have to go.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44You're not the only one with a strong faith, Mr Georgeson!
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Only I'm not really convinced we believe in the same God,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50because my God would never turn his back on anyone.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54His love isn't conditional, it's not based on prejudice or hatred.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57And if that's your view of what a Christian is,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59then, I'm sorry,
0:41:59 > 0:42:03but you can take your precious school and you can shove it,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07because I wouldn't allow my son back here in a million years.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30- You OK?- I am now.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- Did you see him?- Mmm. - What did you say?
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Well, put it this way, you'll never have to see this place again.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Come on. Let's get out of here.
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