Gay Humanists Support EU Directive Banning Anti-Gay Discrimination

London 29^th November 2009

The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) congratulates the EU Commission and the European Parliament on proposed measures that would ban discrimination in employment  and in the provision of services on grounds of sexual orientation and religion across the European Union.

GALHA has also condemned the efforts of certain religious organisations to undermine the legislation.

GALHA Secretary David Christmas commented:

“If this directive is fully implemented, it will represent a huge step forward for LGBT people across the EU. For the first time we will be able to work or receive services anywhere in the EU confident in the knowledge that no-one can legally discriminate against us.”

“The response of some Christian organisations is sad but predictable. The legislation already bends over backwards to allow religious groups to discriminate against gay people when it comes to roles actively promoting their dogmas. Now they want the right to reject or dismiss gay people even for jobs that have nothing directly to do with religion.”

“As so often, some “Christian groups” want to have their communion wafers and eat them.  Christians and other denominations are constantly trying to increase their influence by becoming more involved in providing a whole range of key services across Europe, including areas like education which allow them to mould the minds of the next generation.”

“At the same time they want the right to pick and choose who they will employ to do this, based on criteria which often have nothing to do with ability to do the job. If the British Government and the EU continue to appease such groups then this will ensure that gay people remain second class citizens.”