Losing My Religion Moving On

-Body of Christ.

-Amen.

The body of Christ.

Amen.

The body of Christ.

Amen.

-The body of Christ.

-Amen.

-The body of Christ.

-Amen.

-The body of Christ.

-Amen.

-The body of Christ.

-Amen.

-The body of Christ.

-Amen.

-The body of Christ.

-Amen.

Cheese!

You look absolutely gorgeous, Katie. Wasn't that a beautiful service?

Yeah, just a shame about all those mobile phones going off.

Does anybody else think that priest has a look of Daniel O'Donnell?

-You're obsessed.

-I always thought our Jamie would make a lovely priest.

-Oh, what, him? Yeah, he hasn't been inside a church since his own Holy Communion.

-I have.

-I only mean because he's always been such a sensitive little soul, hasn't he?

-What do you reckon, son?

-Could you handle giving up girls and spending the rest of your life in a frock?

-Are we going or what?

What are you doing up here on your own?

Oh, don't be such a misery, come on.

Things are really livening up downstairs. Kev's playing air guitar.

COMPUTER BEEPS

Just sit still! Jamie! Why haven't you got your uniform on? Have you seen the time?

-I don't feel well.

-Oh, don't be starting this again.

-I've not slept.

-Jamie!

It's not my fault you were playing Amy Winehouse till three this morning!

Please, Mum. Look, I'll even help you tidy up.

Just get your uniform on.

Ow!

TURNS UP MUSIC ON HEADPHONES

You need him now, eh?

Come on, son. Give it to him!

Do it.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Hiya, love.

How was your day?

-Same as usual.

-Don't lie to me.

-What?

-You never went in. I've had the school on the phone.

What's going on, Jamie? This isn't like you.

-I didn't want to do games, that's all.

-Why not?

-Because I hate it.

I won't be a hypocrite, I couldn't stand PE myself,

but you can't just go bunking off school whenever you feel like it.

And where've you been all day? Anything could have happened to you.

It was a one-off. I won't do it again.

-Where do you think you're going?

-To my room.

-Yeah?

Well, you can stay there and you're grounded for the rest of the week.

Hang on a sec. Come here.

Come here!

-What's happened to your blazer?

-I caught it on a fence.

You caught it? Looks like you've gone ten rounds with Ricky Hatton.

Just give it here.

You've only had this a few weeks and look at the state of it.

It was an accident, I'm sorry, all right?

MOBILE PHONE RINGS Jamie?

Jamie!

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

'You have one new message.'

'You can't run away forever, gay boy!

'Bender!'

LAUGHTER IN BACKGROUND

KNOCK AT DOOR

I've brought you some tea.

You left your phone downstairs.

Thanks.

Jamie?

What?

-Is everything all right?

-What do you mean?

-Oh, I dunno...

Bunking off school, coming home with your blazer ripped.

-Are you being bullied?

-No!

-You sure?

-Mum, why do you always have to turn everything into some big drama?

-OK, sorry, no need to get defensive.

FRONT DOOR SHUTS You're late.

-Where are the kids?

-Katie's gone to Joy's for her tea and Jamie's upstairs.

-I'm going to jump in the shower.

-No, I need a word first.

-Can't it wait?

-No, it can't.

It's Jamie.

-What about him?

-I think he's getting bullied.

I had a call from the school this morning to say he didn't go in today.

And then he gets home and his blazer's all ripped,

and I find tissues in his pocket covered in blood.

-He's probably just been in a fight.

-Just?!

Lads that age are always scrapping. Doesn't mean he's getting bullied.

Then how do you explain the message left on his phone?

Yeah, all right, I shouldn't have listened, but I just had this feeling.

It was a gang of lads, and they where shouting all kinds of vile abuse.

I can't even say some of the words they were using.

What like?

They were basically saying he was gay.

-If I could get my hands on them...

-Hey, hey. Come on.

No good getting yourself all upset.

You know what kids that age are like.

They'll be picking on someone else tomorrow.

But what if there's more to it?

Look, we've all been picked on at school, got into fights.

It's just part of life, it toughens you up.

I don't send my son to school to be toughened up.

I'm going to make an appointment with the Head tomorrow.

-Don't get involved, you'll just make things worse.

-How?

Just let Jamie fight his own battles,

otherwise he will end up turning into some big wimp.

I'm getting a shower.

Just drop me at the bus stop, I'll be fine.

-What? So you can go AWOL again?

-I won't, honest.

-Everything's all right at school, isn't it?

-Yeah.

Look, I know you think I'm ancient, but I do remember what it's like, you know?

Kids get to your age and all they're bothered about is proving how hard they are.

When I was your age, the cock of our year was this kid called Frank Brice.

Nasty little get, he was.

At least a foot taller than me.

Everyone was terrified of him. One day, totally out of the blue,

he offered me out for a fight after school.

It spread like wildfire that there was gonna be this massive scrap on the playing fields.

I was bricking myself all day.

He only singled me out because he thought I didn't stand a chance.

That's how bullies operate.

Anyway, that afternoon, virtually every kid in the school was on

that playing field, all wanting to see him knock seven bells out of me.

-What happened?

-Well, I just wanted to do a runner and never come back, you know?

But I knew that wouldn't solve anything.

So before Brice had a chance to start, do you know what I did?

I jumped up and headbutted him square on the nose.

Knocked him right to the ground.

He was just lying there, totally stunned, blood running down his face.

Next thing, everyone's cheering, I'd suddenly become a hero.

All I'm saying is, you only have to stand up to these bullies once,

show them you're not a soft touch,

and I can guarantee they won't come near you again.

All right?

Mr Georgeson is ready for you now.

My husband didn't want me to come here today.

But after hearing that message,

I just couldn't sit back and do nothing.

Have you still got it?

No, I deleted it.

It was on Jamie's phone,

I just couldn't bear the thought of him hearing it.

Hmmm. Have you discussed it with him?

Not the message, no, but I did ask if he was being bullied.

-And?

-He denied it.

But you don't believe him?

He's bound to deny it, isn't he?

It's one thing being picked on for being overweight or having red hair.

But this...

He's such a sensitive kid, I mean, he isn't a fighter, it's just not in his nature.

I can see why he'd become a target.

Well, I can assure you

that we have comprehensive anti-bullying and child protection policies in place.

They state very clearly that no child should have to endure

any form of verbal or physical aggression.

Anyone found to be in breach of our code of conduct will be warned and, if necessary, punished.

I'm just shocked that kids still think it's OK to use that kind of language.

And Jamie's only 15, who knows what he's going to be when he grows up.

Well, I think it's widely acknowledged these days that some children

of a certain age do have issues surrounding their sexual identity.

It can be seen as a normal part of adolescence.

But with the right guidance and support,

it's something that the vast majority of them will grow out of.

And what about the ones who don't?

How do you go about protecting them?

As I'm sure you're aware, this school has

a very proud Christian tradition, dating back to 1849,

which is precisely why so many parents, like yourself, choose to send their children here.

It is our goal to ensure that all of our students are prepared for life

academically, spiritually, socially and morally.

Well, with all due respect, Mr Georgeson,

after hearing that message I'd say some of them aren't prepared at all.

I can promise you that I won't allow a handful of boys to tarnish the excellent reputation of this school.

Only last term, our Year 11 students made this a record year.

83% getting five or more GCSEs, an 8% increase on the previous year...

I'm not disputing any of that.

That's not why I'm here. If this was a case of racism, then I'm sure

you'd be down on them like a ton of bricks, you'd be doing all sorts of workshops and courses and what not.

I don't see why this should be treated any differently.

We are seriously committed to eradicating all forms of bullying.

But, as I'm sure you'll appreciate, we also have a moral obligation to achieve this in a sensitive

manner which is in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic faith.

Fancied a change from Marian Keyes tonight, did you?

Can't stop thinking about what the head said, that's all.

Listen to this.

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?

Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters,

nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves,

nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Sounds like we're all doomed. May as well just enjoy ourselves.

It's funny isn't it how you just go through life accepting it all?

Never questioning any of it.

Speak for yourself.

I know you're a big cynic, but I reckon you still believe, deep down.

Nah. If you ask me, God's a bit like Father Christmas for grown-ups.

You know he doesn't really exist but part of you wants to keep on believing anyway.

Try not to lose any sleep over all this, love.

If Jamie really was in trouble then I'm sure he'd tell us.

MOBILE PHONE BEEPS

Kids have been calling each other horrible names ever since the beginning of time.

It was exactly the same when I was at that school.

I remember one poor lad in our year, camp as Christmas, he was.

Everyone made his life a misery.

It got so bad his mother had to take him out of school.

When you say everyone...?

-You as well?

-Yeah, we didn't have a choice.

-What do you mean?

You were terrified if you didn't join in, they might turn their attention to you.

So you just went along with it?

-I was only a kid.

-That's no excuse.

Come on, you were hardly an angel yourself at school.

-I never bullied anyone.

-But you didn't actually see it as bullying at the time, it was just a laugh.

Oh, well, yeah I'm sure the kid you were all picking on, I'm sure he was splitting his sides.

You know, I don't get it. Why is it that lads are so threatened by someone that they think is gay?

You suddenly hit puberty and you don't know whether you're coming or going.

Honestly, I believe most lads that age would go with anything if they thought they could get away with it.

But they can't admit that, so they single out

someone else instead, deflect all their own insecurities onto them.

Anyone who's a bit different will do.

-They just lash out to prove that they're 'normal'.

-Is that what you did?

I'm starting to wish I never opened my gob.

No, come on, I'm interested. Some poor kid who's taken out of school because his life isn't worth living.

I'd like to know what part you played in it.

Well, did you just call him names?

Hit him?

Beat him up?

< Don't turn your back on me.

< I thought you were better than that, that's all.

< It was a long time ago,

I was just a kid, I'm not proud.

Yeah, well God help our Jamie if everyone in his school is as spineless as you are.

Do you not think you're blowing all this out of proportion?

Even if he has been made a scapegoat, it doesn't mean anything, it doesn't mean he's actually gay.

And what if he is?

Would you love him any less?

All right, I won't lie. I'd be gutted.

What dad wouldn't be?

Jamie!

I'm going now.

-You haven't had breakfast.

-I'm not hungry.

Well, if you just hang on for a sec your dad can give you a lift.

-He's dropping Katie off.

-No, it's all right.

I'd rather get the bus.

Mum...

You don't have to worry about me, you know? I'm gonna be fine.

Right, come on, Dolly Daydream. Let's be having you.

-Ta, love.

-Right you, have a lovely day.

Be a good girl.

-I will. rag.

-Where's mine?

You're not still in a mood about last night, are you?

Oh, come on, it's ridiculous, you can't punish me for something I did when I was a kid.

Jo?

Dave.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

MUSIC: "Requiem Aeturnum"

Dear Lord, forgive me for what I'm about to do.

Keep my family safe, and give them all the love and happiness they deserve.

Amen.

'Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?

'Do not be deceived.

'We are seriously committed to eradicating all forms of bullying.

'We also have a moral obligation to achieve this in a sensitive manner...

'..which is in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic faith.

'Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolators, nor adulterers,

'nor prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor the greedy,

'nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.'

Jo?

-Hello.

-Hello, Father.

-Father!

-Yes.

It doesn't matter. Sorry.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

GLASS SMASHES

Jo?

Oh, no. No! What have you done?

Oh, no!

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Found your phone, then?

What's happened?

He's going to be all right.

SHE SOBS

Why, Jamie?

How could you even think about doing something like this?

Did you really want me or your dad to come home tonight and find you dead?

Is that what you really wanted? Is it?

I'm sorry.

What could possibly be so terrible that you would want to take your own life?

I just...

I couldn't handle it any more.

Handle what, son?

Come on, you can tell us.

Everything.

Can I ask you a question?

Are you gay?

It's OK.

Everything's going to be OK, I promise.

If I'm being completely honest, I've always known.

I think we both did, really.

Ever since he was a little boy.

We could never put our finger on exactly what it was, but we knew he was different.

And what did we do? We just buried our heads in the sand and pretended we hadn't noticed anything.

Can you imagine how lonely that must have made him feel?

And then, to top it all, we put him in a school that believes being gay is a sin.

No wonder he wanted to end it.

Does it bother you?

Well, it's a simple enough question, Dave.

What would you prefer? A gay son or a dead son?

-What do you think?

-Then you've got to tell him.

He needs to know that you love him no matter what.

It must have been a terrible shock for both of you.

After our last meeting,

I informed Jamie's form teacher and other members of staff of the situation,

so we could keep a special look out for him.

But because Jamie didn't feel able to speak to us directly, there was very little else we could do.

He didn't feel he could talk to anyone because he was being picked on for being gay.

How could he possibly believe that anyone would understand when this school teaches that it's wrong?

My husband came to this school 20 years ago. He said it was exactly the same then.

He said that if you were singled out for being gay...

..then your life wasn't worth living.

Well, I can't comment on something that happened so long ago,

but we've made great progress since then.

Mrs Shaw, I'm appalled by what has happened to Jamie,

and I give you my personal guarantee

I won't rest until the boys responsible have been named and punished.

Dishing out punishments is all very well, but it's not going to change attitudes.

So, if you're really serious about stamping this out for good,

then you have to teach these kids that being gay doesn't make you any better or worse than anybody else.

Mrs Shaw, I can assure you that I find all forms of prejudice totally repugnant.

But at the same time, this school could never be seen to be advocating homosexuality

any more than it would sex outside of marriage, or abortion.

If it did, the majority of our parents here would be up in arms.

Well, if the parents are so ignorant,

then is it any wonder their kids turn out to be such narrow-minded little thugs?

I appreciate this is a very divisive issue,

but there are fundamental principles at stake here.

Like it or not, the Bible is very clear about the consequences

for those who choose a homosexual lifestyle.

Choose?!

You don't choose your sexuality.

The only thing you might choose is to hide it.

You know, I may not be the most educated person on this earth,

but you don't need a degree to work that one out.

What sane person would choose that?

To be bullied and persecuted on a daily basis

so that you think the only option that you have is to commit su...

I understand. You're angry and upset.

Angry? My son would rather take his own life than face coming back to this school,

and you sit there, and you tell me that nothing's going to change.

Mrs Shaw.

Speak to Jamie.

Get him to name the boys responsible,

and I promise you they will be dealt with most severely.

It's my son, Father.

I think he might be gay.

In fact, I don't think, I know he is.

How old is he?

15.

They grow up quickly these days.

How do YOU feel about it?

Fine.

I just want him to be happy.

It's not really me I'm worried about.

Er, it's him.

I suppose what I really want to know is, do you think there'll still be a place for him in Heaven if he is?

Is he a good lad?

Father, I couldn't hope to have a more caring and thoughtful son.

Then I'm pretty sure you've got nothing to worry about.

Let's face it, there's plenty of worse things he could be.

I'd guess your son was the least of His worries.

But isn't it a sin?

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

-You OK?

-Just feeling a bit stupid, that's all.

Why did you let things go so far?

If only you'd told us it had got so bad, we could have done something.

I do understand, you know.

I went to that school myself.

I saw first hand what it's like for kids who are picked on for being different in some way.

I was hardly an angel myself, you know.

When I look back,

think about some of the stuff I did,

I can't say it makes me proud.

-What do you mean?

-It was easier to pick on someone you weren't scared of,

someone you knew wouldn't fight back.

I was nothing but a coward.

But I bet you one thing.

These lads who've been making your life hell, they'll grow up,

maybe have kids of their own one day.

Then they'll look back and think about how they treated you,

and they'll feel as ashamed as I do.

You're braver than the whole lot of them put together,

and I could not be more proud.

I really mean that.

Come on. Let's get you inside.

No living mortal has the right to pass judgment on another human being.

Nobody's perfect.

Not even me.

SHE LAUGHS

What about the Bible? I mean,

the stuff that I've read made it pretty clear.

Ah, the Bible's pretty clear about a lot of things.

You know, the real sinners in my book

are those that cherry-pick those parts of the gospel to suit their own prejudices.

It was not so long ago a parishioner would be excommunicated

for being married to someone of a different faith,

having a child out of wedlock, getting divorced.

If that was STILL the case,

well, Jesus...

I'd have to turn away half the parish.

So you don't think it really matters?

Well, let's just say me and Rome

don't exactly see eye to eye on this one.

How do you mean?

Well, I personally find it impossible to believe that the God that I've devoted my life to

would turn his back on anyone for just being true to themselves.

I went to see Mr Georgeson this morning.

He told me that everybody had been praying for you.

What? Praying that I don't pull through?

Don't say that. He wants to help, Jamie.

But he can only do that if you name the boys that drove you to do this.

Now, I know you're scared. I know.

And we'll do everything we can to make sure this doesn't come back on you.

-I can't give you any names.

-Why not?

-Because we're not talking about one person, or a couple of lads.

-Jamie!

Mum, you don't understand, it was virtually every person in the school.

Why didn't you tell one of your teachers?

You think they didn't already know?

Mum, I want you to promise me,

promise me that you will never send me back to that school again.

Mr Georgeson!

Mr Georgeson.

-Mrs Shaw. How's Jamie?

-He's much better now.

I'm very pleased to hear that.

I did what you said.

I asked him for names, and he told me.

He told me that virtually every pupil in this school has verbally or physically abused him at some point.

Are you proud that your school sends out into this world

young men that think it's acceptable to persecute someone for being gay?

How much longer are you going to carry on turning a blind eye, allowing this to go on?

Why don't you come inside and make an appointment with my secretary?

What's the point? I mean, it's obvious I'd be wasting my breath.

Well, I'm sorry if that's how you feel.

Now, I'm afraid I've got a meeting to go to.

They used to force kids to write with their right hand, didn't they?

-I'm sorry?

-Well, it wasn't that long ago that intelligent, educated men like yourself

used to think it was the right thing to do to force people to be exactly the same.

And we look back now and we think it's ridiculous because people aren't the same, are they?

This is no different.

Not every single pupil in this school will grow up and become straight.

And you're doing them a major disservice by teaching them that.

In fact, it's tantamount to child abuse.

I really think that we should leave it there.

Tell me, Mr Georgeson,

what would you do if one of your children came home and said they were gay?

-Mrs Shaw...

-Come on, now, it's a simple enough question. Would you turn your back on them?

No.

I'd give them all the support they needed,

using the wisdom of my faith to help them back onto the proper track.

And what if they were already on it?

I really have to go.

You're not the only one with a strong faith, Mr Georgeson!

Only I'm not really convinced we believe in the same God,

because my God would never turn his back on anyone.

His love isn't conditional, it's not based on prejudice or hatred.

And if that's your view of what a Christian is,

then, I'm sorry,

but you can take your precious school and you can shove it,

because I wouldn't allow my son back here in a million years.

-You OK?

-I am now.

-Did you see him?

-Mmm.

-What did you say?

Well, put it this way, you'll never have to see this place again.

Come on. Let's get out of here.

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