EU commission strikes down British religious freedom exemptions from anti-discrimination law

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Comments: 15

London, England, Nov 26, 2009 / 01:06 pm (CNA).- The European Union has compelled the British government to remove religious freedom exemptions from an anti-discrimination bill. The move will forbid church bodies from declining to employ homosexual staff. The National Secular Society had argued that the exemptions went further than was permitted under an EU directive and created “illegal discrimination against homosexuals,” the Observer reports.

The EU commission agreed, ruling that the exemptions are “broader than that permitted by the directive.”

The British government must now redraft anti-discrimination laws. The new proposals would allow religious organizations to decline to employ homosexuals only if their job involves actively promoting or practicing a religion.

The prior law allowed religious groups to refuse to employ homosexuals “so as to avoid conflicting with the strongly held religious convictions of a significant number of the religion's followers.”

Homosexual activist Peter Tatchell claimed that the ruling was “a significant victory for gay equality” and a “serious setback” for religious employers who had been granted exemption. According to the Guardian, he said the move was a “big embarrassment” for the British government, which he claimed has “consistently sought to appease religious homophobes.”

The Christian charity, Care was critical of the decision, the Guardian says.

“If evangelical churches cannot be sure that they can employ practicing evangelicals with respect to sexual ethics, how will they be able to continue?” the organization asked.

Comments: 15

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Sarah
Toronto, Canada 11/30/2009 02:07 AM EST

In the end, the only rights that will matter will be those belonging to homosexuals. The Day of the Lord can't come too quickly for me!

Published by: Graham Combs
Royal Oak, Michigan 11/29/2009 04:54 PM EST

Last week, the pastor of our parish noted in the Sunday bulletin that it is only a matter of time before they go after Thanksgiving -- now that they've marginalized Christmas. Nothing surprises me anymore. As Archbishop Chaput said recently, "I expect to die in bed; I expect my successor to die in jail..."

Published by: dancingcrane
san Diego/CA/USA 11/28/2009 04:35 PM EST

Everything we see now is in Scripture. Civilizations may change names, technology may advance, but the human heart never changes, and neither do her sins. _The Psalms_ speak often of being beset by evil doers who persecute the faithful, and mock them with their worldly successes. Yet the truth remains, that God will vindicate. _Romans_ Ch. 1 and 2 speak of what happens when people turn from God, and also has harsh words for those who think themselves righteous, but are just as sinful.

Published by: Hugh McLoughlin
Bellshill 11/28/2009 12:19 AM EST

The EU Commission has NOT (as yet)struck down British religious freedom exemptions. The Guardian report states that what has been presented to the UK government is a "reasoned opinion" drafted not by the European Court of Human Rights, nor by the Commission itself, but by its "lawyers". As such the UK governement has three options: (a)it can cravenly tell Vladimir Spidla, the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, in whose name this "reasoned opinion" was issued, that it fully intends immediately to bend over both backwards and forwards, and make the citenzry do likewise, to accomodate the homosexualist lobby; (b) it can tell him to sod off, or; (c) it can simply sit on the document and leave it to the next, almost certainly Conservative, government to deal with as it seems fit. A "reasoned opinion" may be regarded as "compelling" but that in law does NOT make it binding. So the response of the Labour governement will be instructive. And since it will almost certainly be option (a) we can but only hope that there will be no time left in this parliament to see the necessary legislation passed. This is yet another instance of the Christianophobic doctrine of the rights of homosexualists trumping all others, including those of children. Ironically the Tatchellistas are aligning themselves with deviant priests and the bishops who sheltered them. All of whom they usually condemn in order to emabarrass and undermine the Church.

Published by: W. James
Sacramento/CA/USA 11/27/2009 02:26 AM EST

By striking down British religious freedom exemptions, the European Union risks setting fire to gasoline. We may soon expect a similar assault on religious freedom exemptions here in the United States. Our opponents' unreasonableness inevitably will provoke a backlash. In a pluralistic society, everyone has to give a little. Provocations like striking down religious freedom exemptions are unnecessary and sad.

Published by: daliesfollies
salem, mo, usa 11/27/2009 01:19 AM EST

The Catholic Church has already fallen, they just haven't opened their eyes yet. God will open their eyes for them, soon.

Published by: Francis
Wareham Ma 11/26/2009 10:35 PM EST

Satan and his minions have infiltrated every aspect of humanity...Courts, academia, legislatures, media, presidents, and sadly the Catholic Church also the last 40 or 50 years. I agree with Rinda that the St. Michael prayer should be said after every Mass like it was until Vatican II along with the Salve Regina.

Published by: Stephen
USA 11/26/2009 09:02 PM EST

Jesus Christ true God and true man is our Lord God and Saviour. Scripture tells us that he will come like a thief in the night. The day or the hour not even he or the angels in heaven know. Only God the Father knows the exact hour and time of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Be not alarmed or dismayed at what you hear and see because it was all prophecized in scripture. According to Peter 4:7-10, The end of all things is near, so keep your minds calm and sober for prayer. Above all preserve an intense love for each other, since love covers over many a sin. Welcome each other into your houses without grumbling. Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like the good stewards responsible for all these varied graces of God, put it at the service of others."

Published by: Michael
Sarawak, Malaysia 11/26/2009 08:07 PM EST

The Catholic churches in the entire world generally reflect beauty in all its aspects (albeit in varying degrees) and for those of us who truly understand and live our Catholic Christian faith, it is a great source of love, joy and peace - to ourselves and a strong motivating factor to bring the same to others. For those who desire otherwise, there is always a need for darkness - to provide them shelter, so that what they do may not be seen - totally the opposite of those who love LIGHT. Why not try the truly Catholic experience - before we make a condemnation - of Catholicism and Christianity - no one will stand to lose. Indeed, there is much to be gained. Try it, for it brings LOVE.

Published by: Rinda
UK 11/26/2009 07:29 PM EST

Looking at the persecution of Christians around the world, it looks like satan is getting more aggressive and angry. The best form of defence is attack. Please can all Roman Catholic Churches re-introduce the recitation of the Holy Rosary before Mass and the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel?

Published by: Gus
Canada 11/26/2009 05:38 PM EST

What about separation of Church and State? Do these corrupt politicians believe that? Or is it just a matter of convenience? All Christians must boycott all legislation that is contrary to our faith. Will they have room enough to imprison millions and millions of people? Let them try it. It is time to publicly disregard the laws which are passed by these perverts in the European parliament and which may be followed by other legislatures. Once we Christians unite and boycott that, Satan will have to step back. The time for action is now.

Published by: Maria Trujillo
Plantation/FL/USA 11/26/2009 04:57 PM EST

The English Parliament CHOSE slavery by ratifying the Lisbon Treaty....WITHOUT giving the people a say via a referendum. Cromwell has already turned over...several times, and doesn't seem inclined to cease his turning. All is not lost...they can still repudiate the treaty and become what they once were...a Free Nation. LET THE PEOPLE VOTE!!

Published by: Gerry McDonnell
Ireland 11/26/2009 04:26 PM EST

Another of the signs of the end times. Satan's time is running out and his followers are showing their true colours. Now is the time for those in the church to stand up like Steven in Acts 7 and declare their allegiance to Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who was and is and who is to come for a church without spot or wrinkle, clean and holy standing out as a light in the midst of those in darkness surrounding us.

Published by: BS
England 11/26/2009 02:27 PM EST

And they wonder why we hate Europe. I live in Europe and I must admit, it basically is hell on earth these days.

Published by: Diane
Edmonton 11/26/2009 02:19 PM EST

The Catholic Church will NEVER FALL despite the numerous individuals in the world trying to bring it down. Satan and his minions will never win! God bless our one and true Catholic Church and Faith and may He bless all of the clergy and our beloved Pope! +++

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