Welcome to the Evangelical Alliance

Sexual Orientation Regulations (SORs)

Equality Act (Sexual Orientation Regulations) - Frequently asked questions 
An initial overview, interpretation and introduction to the Sexual Orientation Regulations (SORs). Based on current understanding of the potential legal implications.

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Date originally published: Friday 5th January 2007

The Evangelical Alliance is still committed to holding Government officials to account on the soon-awaited regulations in England and Wales, as it has done from the beginning of this legislation’s development.

The regulations seek to prevent discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in the area of goods, facilities and services.

The principle of the law here is valuable – to defend people from discrimination – but religious and civil liberties could be threatened if a fair balance of rights is not achieved.

Last May, the Alliance responded to the Government’s consultation paper on these regulations in a lengthy document. Read the preamble to the Alliance’s response to 'Getting Equal'. It also sets out its position, indicating some of the work done and giving action points for information and prayer on these complex regulations in the 'Sexual Orientation Regulations' Paper.

But the debate over this also raises wider issues than one particular set of regulations.

How can we, as Christians, effectively and prophetically protest in a democracy, where freedom has to be balanced against justice and equality?

And how can we do this in a way that shows the uncompromising love of Christ?

General director Joel Edwards explores these issues in his letter to leaders of Alliance member churches.

The Alliance is committed to seeking to present Christ credibly in the public square and evangelicals as ‘good news’ people for spiritual and social transformation.

Links:

• Press Release: Christians should continue to deliver public services until the law stops them
  (22nd Mar 2007)
• Press Release: Evangelical Alliance calls Christians to pray over SORs debate
  (20th Mar 2007)


• Press Release: Response to the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007
  (8th Mar 2007)


• Press Release: House of Lords' decision on Sexual Orientation Regulations.
  (10th Jan 2007)


• Joel Edwards letter to Alliance member church leaders
  (9th Jan 2007)


• Press Release: Evangelical Alliance speaks out on Sexual Orientation Regulations.
  (8th Jan 2007)


• Read extracts from a paper written by Dr R David Muir in December 2006 to update the Evangelical Alliance board and council on the SORs (Northern Ireland).


• Read an article written on SORs by Karen Jardine, public affairs and development officer for the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland Winter 2006 newsletter for members.


• 'Sexual Orientation Regulations' Paper


• Press Statement: Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland expresses concern over equality legislation - 8 Nov 2006


• The preamble to the Alliance's response to 'Getting Equal'