A former defence minister has warned that military chaplains could face dismissal for expressing their opposition to same-sex ‘marriage’ should the Government press ahead with its proposals.
Letter
Sir Gerald Howarth, who lost his position at the Ministry of Defence in the recent government reshuffle, made the comments in a letter to Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond.
He warned that should same-sex ‘marriage’ be legalised military chaplains “could be sacked” for voicing their disapproval and could even face disciplinary action for their stance whilst speaking in churches.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence has reported that Mr Hammond is currently “seeking advice” on the comments.
Legal Opinion
Sir Gerald raised the concerns after Human Rights barrister, Aidan O’Neil, warned that NHS chaplains could be disciplined for breaching NHS diversity policies if they support the current definition of marriage whilst preaching in other churches.
Making the remarks in a legal opinion provided for the Coalition for Marriage, he concluded that the NHS would have a “high chance” of succeeding in any legal challenge against a dismissal due to anti-discrimination legislation.
Sir Gerald adopted the opinion given by Mr O’Neil stating that the same situation could apply to military chaplains.
He said: “The Chaplain in his/her role as an Anglican Minister conducts a wedding service and preaches a mainstream Christian view that marriage is the union of one man to one woman,” he wrote.
“A member of the congregation disagrees with the chaplain’s view and decides to report him/her to their superiors, because they believe it is contrary to Labour’s 2010 Equality Act.
“Mr O’Neill concludes that under these circumstances, if the law is changed as proposed, the Chaplain could be disciplined or dismissed.”
Serious consequences
"These kinds of consequences must be properly taken into account before the government makes any decision on the redefintion of marriage," said Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern.
"A number of politicians, legal experts and clergy have now expressed serious concerns about the impact of redefining marriage on freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
"There is a real danger that people who are motivated by their Christian faith to serve others, such as military chaplains, will be pushed aside because of their views on marriage".
Sources:
Summary of the Aidan O’Neill legal opinion
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