Discrimination Law Review

Don Horrocks responds to the comments of Richard Kirker of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement in the Daily Telegraph

19 July 2006

Sir,

I can assure Richard Kirker that most religious groups support the human rights of everyone, including LGBT people, to be treated with dignity and respect and not to suffer unfair discrimination, violence or abuse. It does not help when those who happen to disagree with his views are automatically labelled ‘homophobic’.

It is noteworthy that whilst he supports the rights of people not to be discriminated against on grounds of race and gender, which he places on a par with sexual orientation, he conspicuously omits religion and belief as meriting equal treatment.

It needs to be remembered that the task of the law is to ensure that a fair balance is struck between all rights – including sexual orientation and religion and belief - whilst simultaneously preserving diversity and crucial civil rights such as freedom of belief, speech and association.

Yours,

Dr Don Horrocks
Head of Public Affairs
Evangelical Alliance, London, SE11