Christian GP appeals unfair dismissal from drugs panel
A Christian GP has launched an appeal to the High Court in order to get his job back after being controversially sacked from his post on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) earlier this year. Dr Raabe stated that he has initiated legal proceedings because of the “increasing attempts” to marginalise Christians in public life.
Dr Hans Christian Raabe is taking action against the Home Secretary, Theresa May, who permitted his dismissal after he came under fire in the press for his views on the seemingly unrelated area of homosexuality.
Dr Raabe was sacked from his post within just a few weeks of having been chosen. There was a backlash against his appointment; with the BBC reporting that at least one member of the ACMD was threatening to resign as a result of his appointment. The hostility is believed to have been based not just on Dr Raabe’s strong stance against drug use but also his more general Christian views, including his views on homosexuality.
The Home Office claimed that Dr Raabe’s appointment was revoked because he didn’t declare his involvement in a 2005 scientific study on homosexuality. The department stated that the article “raises concerns over his credibility to provide balanced advice on drug misuse issues”.
The article, written six years ago, in collaboration with six other medical professionals, observed the disproportionate representation of homosexuals among paedophiles, and advised caution over legalising homosexual 'marriage'.
The Home Office appeared to forget about its own report in 1998 which cited a study showing that “approximately 20 to 33% of child sexual abuse is homosexual in nature”.
It is unclear how a medical article relating to homosexuality could affect Dr Raabe’s ability to provide advice on drug misuse issues.
Dr Raabe told the Daily Mail at the time: “My appointment has been revoked based on the wrong perception that I could potentially discriminate against gay people – something I have never done; neither in my private nor professional life. Even the Home Office has not questioned my knowledge and expertise in matters relating to substance misuse and drug policy.
“My appointment has merely been revoked as a result of my views on matters completely unrelated to drug policy.
“I have been discriminated against because of my opinions and beliefs which are in keeping with the teaching of the major Churches. This sets a dangerous precedent: Are we saying that being a Christian is now a bar to public office?”
Dr Raabe said that society was in danger of believing that "if you are a Christian you are not fit for public office or you are biased or a bigot".
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:
“It is good news that Dr Raabe has decided to take his case to court. It is vital that the Home Office’s decision to de-select Dr Raabe is exposed for what it is.
“The case will be monitored with great interest by all Christians who are concerned that there is increasing intolerance of Christian views in the public sphere.”
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