Committed Christian couple Eunice and Owen Johns are contesting the decision of Derby Council Social Services to withdraw their fostering application following concerns that their beliefs about sexual ethics and in particular the practice of homosexuality did not meet diversity standards.
The couple, who have previously fostered children, were surprised and dismayed to learn that their application had been withdrawn following a series of meetings and interviews with social workers. They feel that their beliefs about the practice of homosexuality are the reason for the Council's unwillingness to take their application any further.
The Christian Legal Centre is supporting the couple and will pursue legal action should the Council refuse to reconsider the Johns' application. It is likely that any action would challenge the diversity standards which the Council allege the couple failed to meet.
Daily Telegraph Article
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/23/nchurch223.xml
Daily Mail Article
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Derby Telegraph article
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BBC East Midlands Today
http://www.ccfon.org/mediacentre.php?avid=40&avap=1