A PETITION calling for an end to religious representation on council education committees will be considered by MSPs this week.

Edinburgh Secular Society is urging the Scottish Parliament to repeal legislation which means local authorities must appoint three religious representatives on their education committees.

A submission to the parliament's public petitions committee, which will consider the issue on Tuesday, states: "The membership of religious representatives on education committees arose because of the historical role of the Christian churches in developing the education system, but it is very questionable that they should continue to have this unique privilege in the present day."