The Government’s Faith Minister Baroness Warsi has warned that proposals to redefine marriage could limit rather than protect the religious freedom of teachers and church ministers.
Women and Equalities Minister Maria Miller said that the Government’s proposed safeguards would provide “iron-clad’ protection for religious groups against legal challenges.
But in a letter to Mrs Miller seen by the Daily Mail, Lady Warsi commented that schools could be forced to teach children about same-sex ‘marriage’ and ministers who refuse to perform same-sex weddings could be open to legal challenge.
Unintended
Warning against the “unintended consequences” of the legislation, Lady Warsi demanded greater “clarity” on how the Government proposed to protect religious freedom.
She asked: “What consideration has been given to the teaching of equal marriage in schools, both faith schools and non-faith schools?”
She added: “How will we ensure that the legislation will protect religious freedom? What legal protection will churches and other places of worship be afforded from challenges if they refuse to undertake same-sex marriage?
“What legal support will be afforded to churches and other places of worship if they’re challenged individually or as an organisation?”
Large volumes
Theletter, copied to Education Secretary Michael Gove and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, also notes the “large volume of calls” received by Lady Warsi from those seeking assurance “about a number of aspects of the policy.”
Legal Opinion
In November, Education Minister Liz Truss indicated that teachers could face dismissal for refusing to teach children about same-sex ‘marriages’ should the Government push ahead with its proposals.
The comments were made after MP David Burrowes raised concerns about the effects of the new legislation on teachers following a legal opinion provided by Human Rights barrister Aidan O’ Neill QC.
Mr O’Neill warned that a teacher could be lawfully dismissed for refusing to use a textbook endorsing same-sex ‘marriage’, and that parents would have no right to withdraw their children from such classes.
He concluded: “If the teacher refused to obey the otherwise lawful instructions of her employers then this would constitute grounds for her dismissal from employment.”
Related stories:
Minister admits no protection for churches who will not promote same-sex ‘marriage’
Government presses ahead with same-sex ‘marriage’
Over 100 MPs oppose a redefinition of marriage
Prime Minister to fast-track laws on same-sex ‘marriage’
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