The Bishop of Exeter has voted in the Lords against Government plans to restrict the ability of religious bodies to deny jobs to gay people and transsexuals.
The Rt Revd Michael Langrish was one of eight of the House’s 26 bishops to oppose the Government, despite Ministers’ assurances that the provisions contained in the Equality Bill would maintain the status quo. However, church leaders, led by the Archbishop of York, feared that it would restrict their ability to control who they employ.
Devon Humanists told the PRSD: “Religious bodies would still have been allowed to discriminate against gay employees. This was about defining the limits to that discrimination. They can demand a priest be of the faith, but not caretakers, cleaners or secretarial staff.
“The Church is a major employer, often using public money to run schools, nursing homes or day centres. It should be obliged to obey the law that every other employer does in relation to treating employees fairly.
“The obsession of the Church over other people’s private lives is increasingly marking it as out-of-touch with modern Britain.
“The Lords’ vote mean that British law may be in conflict with European legislation. The most probable effect of these amendments will now be expensive and time-consuming litigation.”
• Should religions be allowed to discriminate? Comments below, please
(image: Bishop of Exeter Rt Revd Michael Langrish)
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