Update: The Equality Bill has become the Equality Act 2010. The information below is presented for archival purposes only.
Vote in House of Lords 25th January 2010
The Equality Bill threatens to restrict the employment practices of religious organisations—so much so that successful job applicants will not even be required to live out the Faith in relation to sexual ethics.
Unfortunately the Government has been interfering with the employment practices of religious organisations since 2003. However, the current Equality Bill makes the situation considerably worse.
Under the new Bill, Christian organisations (including Churches) will not be able to refuse employment to someone even if that person lives a lifestyle contrary to the Bible’s teaching on sexual ethics. Furthermore, if a Church employed someone who later fell away from the Faith, for example by divorcing his wife and entering into a homosexual relationship, the Church would almost certainly be sued for unlawful discrimination if they terminated the employment on that basis.
Remarkably, the Government had originally intended these intrusive provisions to cover almost every Christian post, including Church leadership. Understandably, there has been widespread opposition to these provisions since they were introduced in April 2009, yet it has not been until the 11th hour that the Government has provided an amendment to their position.
Unfortunately, whilst the Government’s amendment is an improvement, it does not go far enough in protecting the employment practices of Churches. It will cover ‘ministers of religion’ but will not properly cover other key posts such as that of youth workers or the myriad of employment positions within churches which revolve around pastoral work, social action and practical service which do not fit easily into the definition of a role which exists to promote, represent or explain Christianity.
The law passed in 2003 is far from perfect, yet it is no doubt better than the changes proposed by the Government. Thankfully, Baroness O’Cathain has tabled three amendments that will ensure that the law is not narrowed any further and we must act and pray to ensure these amendments are passed. The amendments will go to a vote on 25th January 2010 so there is not much time left.
Click here to watch our video.
How to make a difference
1. Sign the petition
This petition asks the Government to remove the amendments that would make the law more restrictive for religious organisations:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/harryhammond
2. Write to Peers
Please write to one or more Peers listed at this link and ask them to vote for Baroness O'Cathain's Schedule 9 amendments, explaining that the vote will take place on 25th January
Click here for information on writing to Peers.
3. Find out more
Read the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship briefing on the Equality Bill:
http://www.ccfon.org/docs/LCF_Equality_Bill_Briefing_(14th_Dec_2009).pdf
Please see the CARE report: A Little Bit Against Discrimination?
http://www.care.org.uk/Articles/176836/CARE/Stay_Informed/Public_Affairs_News/New_CARE_report.aspx