Alex Spak

Alex Spak: victory for churches against the Equality Bill

In the light of the latest news about the decision of the British government to retreat from plans to implement the Equality Bill, Alex Spak, legal and policy analyst from Great Britain, kindly agreed to give his comments on the matter to Christian Telegraph:

“On Wednesday, 3 February 2010, the UK Government indicated that they will not pursue their controversial amendments to the Equality Bill through Parliament. This decision signified a victory for Churches and Christian groups who campaigned against these amendments.

These amendments sought to introduce very troubling changes in the law in relation to employment. If these amendments were implemented as law, Churches and religious organisations would not be able to refuse employment to practicing homosexuals or transsexuals. The Government wanted to create the situation where only the position of ‘minister’, that is, a priest or a pastor, would require him to be a practicing Christian. Other positions in the Church or religious organisations would be available for everyone, even to those who do not believe in God or live according to His standards. For example, it would not be possible to restrict the requirement to be Christian to the position of a Church youth worker or a faith school teacher, meaning that atheists or practicing homosexuals could fill these positions. The Government has failed to understand that Christian life involves various roles and positions within the Church and Christian organisation, where every member must share the faith in order to preserve the Christian ethos.

We are thankful that the Government decided to back down under the pressure and that common sense has prevailed!”

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TAGS: United Kingdom Equality Bill Alex Spak practicing homosexuals Christian ethos Christian values

[02/08/2010]

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