Gay Humanists Condemn Religious Demands for "Right to Discriminate"

London - 15th August 2009

The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has condemned lobbying by religious groups to enable them to continue to discriminate against gay people when hiring staff and providing services. This amounts to attempts to establish a "parallel world" presided over the religious authorities, where gay people are denied basic rights.

GALHA Secretary David Christmas commented: "The Equality Bill currently going through Parliament already bends over backwards to appease the religious lobby. It's one thing to say that, if your religion is hostile to gay equality, it would be odd to appoint a gay person to preach on your behalf. If, on the other hand, you are talking about clerical staff or youth workers for example, then there are no legitimate grounds for discrimination."

"As the churches actively seek to extend their influence in the provision of services, often with the active connivance of the Labour and Conservative Parties, these exemptions would effectively, establish a "state within a state" where gay people, and any others who fell foul of religious doctrines, could be denied both employment and services."

"GALHA calls on all gay people, including those in religious groups, and all of those who value a fair and open society,  to join us in opposing this threat, and to ensure that the Equalities Bill is passed without further watering down at the behest of the religious lobby."