Sexual Orientation Regulations - letter

Director of Public Policy responds to a letter in the Daily Telegraph

13 October 2006

Letter for Publication

Dear Sir,

The letter from Christian leaders (‘Law and Sex’ October 13) highlights a crucial issue. Namely, to pass legislation that tells religious believers they can practice their faith behind the doors of their church or mosque, but that they must leave it behind when they emerge for the remaining 95% of their daily lives, is patently unrealistic and implicitly discriminatory.

Religion values fundamental human rights for everyone to be treated with dignity and respect and not to suffer unfair discrimination, violence or abuse. But it needs to be remembered that the task of the law is to ensure that a fair balance is struck between various rights – including sexual orientation and religion and belief - whilst simultaneously preserving diversity and crucial civil rights such as freedom of conscience, speech and association.

Dr R David Muir
Director of Public Policy
Evangelical Alliance

Note: This letter responds and refers to a letter from Church leaders published on 13 October.