This attempt to redefine religious bias marks a shift from hard secularism
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s consultation does not seek the functional re-establishment of Christianity – it’s prompted by the rising importance of Islam
Peter and Hazelmary Bull, the B&B owners who attempted to deny a gay couple a double bed, with Christian demonstrators outside Bristol county court. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA
Andrew Brown
theguardian.com, Monday 18 August 2014 08.36 EDT
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation on whether it is handling religious equality appropriately. This marks a significant unease with the way in which equality law has dealt with Christians, in particular since 2010. The central question is whether there is anything more to Christian discontent than whingeing about the progress of gay rights.
The Evangelical Alliance sees this move as a triumph. Don Horrocks, a Baptist minister who is its head of public affairs, says the commission has “failed religion and belief totally”.
“Evangelical Christians have absolutely no confidence in the commission whatsoever. People of faith are generally quiet. Now the commission wants to know how many xians and others are being bullied.”
In a reference to the case of Peter and Hazelmary Bull, who attempted to deny a civilly partnered gay couple a double bed because they do not believe in sex outside marriage, Horrocks said: “Look at the B&B couple who just wanted the freedom to run their house on Christian principles. What about the Christians who are told their faith should be left at the door when they enter the workplace? What about all the organisations who wish to maintain a Christian ethos and are told they must actively promote things they don’t believe in?”
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/18/equality-and-human-rights-commission-discrimination-secularism-christianity-islam
Who knew bed and breakfasts would be in the forefront of social change?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1218147099
