Sunday, February 15, 2009

Government accused of anti-Christian discrimination

'The British Government was today accused by a shadow minister of failing to prevent "systematic discrimination" against Christians in Britain.

Shadow communities minister Stewart Jackson told MPs of a school receptionist who was "on the verge" of suspension for defending her Christian beliefs.

Jennie Cain, 38, from Devon, faces the sack for asking a church for prayer support after her five-year-old daughter was told off for talking about God and heaven during a lesson.

The incident comes days after nurse Caroline Petrie, from Weston-super-Mare, was suspended for offering to pray for a patient.

Speaking from the back benches during exchanges on Commons business, Mr Jackson (Peterborough) called for a debate on "systematic and institutional discrimination towards Christians".

He said: "We saw last week the case of Mrs Petrie who was suspended by North Somerset Primary Care Trust and only reinstated after a media furore.

"This week we see anti-Christian zealots in Devon who are on the verge of suspending a lady who works in a school for defending her and her daughter's Christian beliefs.

"Does fairness and equality only apply to people who are non-Christians in this country?"

Commons Leader Harriet Harman said fairness and equality should apply to everyone.

She said: "I suggest on the specific issues that you have raised, you seek a Westminster Hall debate."'

Stewart Jackson MP and I are Facebook friends. Around 94-98 we were seated next to one another on the Conservative benches of Ealing Council.

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