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 PrintableVersion EU to squeeze ChristiansThe European Union (EU) is trying to introduce a new law which could see many of the current threats to Christian liberty in the UK made even worse. If passed, the new Directive — a law setting out minimum standards for all EU countries to comply with — will outlaw discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation and religion in the provision of goods and services. Similar ‘goods and services’ discrimination laws in the UK have already caused problems for Christians, but the Directive could introduce further threats to religious freedom. Brighton Council cited existing UK discrimination laws when it pulled £13,000 funding from Pilgrim Homes, a Christian care home. Staff had refused to ask the home’s elderly residents their sexual orientation every three months. The funding was restored after the Christian Institute brought in lawyers to help the home. Peter and Hazelmary Bull, a Christian couple running a guesthouse in Cornwall, are currently being sued under discrimination laws by two homosexual men because of their long-standing policy of restricting double rooms to married couples only. Current exemptionsThe UK laws currently contain exemptions for churches and religious organisations, although, as these cases show, they need strengthening. However, MEPs voting on the EU Directive called for a ban on religious exemptions. The MEPs’ view is not binding, but could be influential on the final form of the Directive. In April the MEPs made it clear that they wanted to remove important exemptions from the Directive, which covers discrimination in the provision of goods and services. These exemptions currently allow religious bodies to restrict some services, such as communion, to those who share their religious beliefs. If the MEPs’ changes are accepted, it could become illegal for a church to refuse to provide a non-Christian with communion, church membership or baptism. The Directive could also introduce ‘harassment’ to UK goods and services law. Harassment is very loosely defined and, if part of the final agreed Directive, could affect free speech. It could allow someone to claim harassment if he simply felt an ‘offensive’ environment had been created for him. Agreement neededThe next step will be for the Council of the EU to decide whether or not to accept, amend or reject the Directive. It cannot become law unless all member states agree. To stay updated on the Directive, go to http://www.christian.org.uk/eudirective Simon Calvert, © Evangelicals Now - June 2009 |
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