Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, who's a Christian herself, suggested that certain viewpoints on homosexuality that might be expressed by a child should prompt teachers to consider whether the child is an extremist or exposed to extremism.
When asked to give an example of behaviour that might be a cause for concern, she said: "Sadly, Isis are extremely intolerant of homosexuality," and when asked whether a student should be reported to police if they said homosexuality was "evil" she replied it would "depend very much on the context of the discussion".
She was speaking as the Department for Education publishes new guidance on the requirement on schools to combat extremism, following the passing of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
In response to her comments, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: "There is a wide diversity of viewpoints on homosexuality in our society. Many families believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Are these families now to be officially treated with suspicion and even linked with extremism? Are teachers going to be required to spy on them and even reported to the police?
"Christians believe that homosexual practice is wrong and that marriage between a man and a woman is the pattern given by God and the only proper place for sexual expression. Is Nicky Morgan now saying that that is an 'extremist' view that needs to be monitored or punished?
"We are on the verge of a sinister new era of 'thought-policing' in our schools. This is the imposition of a new sexual ideology under the guise of fighting extremism. The real problem is violence and terrorism that has sprung out of Islamic ideology.
"But if Nicky Morgan gets her way, the focus will become Christians and others with mainstream views on marriage. They will fall under suspicion, be punished and excluded."