Eunice and Owen Johns

In 2008, experienced foster carers Eunice and Owen Johns applied to foster a child in Derby but their application stalled because of their Christian sexual ethics. In a High Court judgment on 28 February 2011, the judges failed to rule on the specific declaration sought by the Johns and stated that homosexual rights trump freedom of conscience in the context of fostering; that if children are placed with parents who have biblical Christian views, then “there may well be a conflict with the local authority’s duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of looked-after children”; they stated that councils can require the promotion of homosexuality; and made it clear that councils can stop Christians from fostering children on this basis. The Johns remain unable to foster.