A Christian headteacher who apparently used a morning assembly to criticise homosexuals and single mothers has dismissed calls for his suspension.

Bill Beales told hundreds of pupils at Cwmcarn High School in south Wales the groups were "flaunting God's rules."

Teaching unions and the local council leader have called for his suspension while a full investigation is carried out.

Hear Bill Beales defend his assembly

But the Cross Keys secondary school head explained traditional Christian values were being eroded by political correctness.

He said he has received no complaints from staff or pupils and felt morning assembly was the right place for such views.

Eroding faith

Mr Beales had told pupils in his speech: "Through the thin veneer of political correctness, the fundamental precepts, beliefs and value system of the Christian faith are being eroded by spin doctors and politicians.

"When Christians voice concerns about divorce, unmarried mothers and homosexuality, genetic cloning and many other products of human weakness and desires...

Mr Beales is profiled on the school's website

"... it is not those flaunting God's rules for right living that are placed on trial, but those who apply the word of God to their lives."

The school's website includes an archive of 100 religious speeches from morning assemblies.

But the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers has said school governors should look in to the latest comments.

Union demand

Geraint Davies of the NASUWT said: "I think his words were unwise. Everybody has to face the fact we live in a multi-cultural society, a multi-ethnic society.

"It is a society which has to show toleration. Children in a school should be taught to live as equals. As teachers, we have a moral right to teach everyone equally."

Governors have thrown their support behind Mr Beales, but Caerphilly County Borough Council Leader Lindsay Whittle called for his suspension while an investigation is carried out.

Comments defended

But the headteacher told BBC Radio Wales: "We need to be aware of what is happening behind the curtain of democracy.

"The new diversion is to accuse those who stand by God's principles of bigotry and harassment.

"I don't regret singling out particular groups; what I am highlighting is the unfair accusations faced by Christians who defend their religion.

"My assembly is [just] one in a week; it is enshrined in law I have to lead them through a path of the Christian perspective."

He said critics of his remarks were pre-judging the issue and he claimed the support of the board of governors.

Cwmcarn High School is a "foundation" school funded by Caerphilly County Borough Council, but managed by the board of governors.