Churches speak out against law change

Churches have warned they may be forced to hire women, gay people and transsexuals under proposed equality laws to be debated in the House of Lords today.

Christian campaign groups, Roman Catholic bishops and the Church of England say the Equality Bill could force them to go against their faith when employing staff.

They also claim the law could lead to increased legal action between churches and atheists.

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The Government insisted that the Bill simply “clarified” the current law.

A spokesman for the Government Equalities Office said: “In the case of ministers of religion and other key jobs that promote and represent religion, the Bill recognises that a church may need to impose requirements regarding, for example, sexual orientation.

“The Bill absolutely does not stop religious organisations recruiting someone of the same faith where this is a requirement of the job.”

But church leaders are concerned that they would no longer be able to turn away candidates with incompatible lifestyles for other roles, such as teaching.

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They say the Government has tabled an amendment to modify the Bill’s wording but the concession does not go far enough.

Churches are throwing their support behind a separate amendment tabled by Tory Baroness O’Cathain, which would keep the law as it is.

A statement from the Bishops of Winchester, Exeter and Chester said churches would find themselves more vulnerable to legal challenge under the proposals.

“(The Government) have produced no convincing case for change,” they said.

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A Government spokesman said: “The Equality Bill will not change the existing legal position regarding churches and employment.

“It simply clarifies the current law to ensure a balance is maintained between the rights of people to manifest their religion and the right of employees not to be discriminated against.”

The Equality Bill faces its fourth day of committee stage in the Lords today.