Friday 02 September 2011
A parliamentary inquiry has been launched into the freedoms that exist for Christians within British law.Country: EUROPE, UNITED KINGDOM
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The inquiry has been launched by Christians in Parliament, an all-party parliamentary group, to seek clarity on what Christians may and may not do under the law.
It comes after the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) abandoned its plans to give Christians greater freedom to follow their beliefs in the workplace. (http://www.barnabasfund.org/UK/Act/Campaign/Operation-Nehemiah/Campaign-updates/UK-Equalities-watchdog-drops-plan-to-protect-Christians.html)
Confusion over the law has arisen out of recent high-profile court cases involving Christians who were penalised as they sought to express or live out their faith.
These have included Christian employees disciplined for wearing a cross necklace, Christian street preachers arrested for describing homosexuality as a sin, and Christian guesthouse owners sued for refusing to accommodate a gay couple in a double bedroom.
Gary Streeter MP, who is chairing the inquiry, said:
There has never been a more significant time for Christians to make a positive contribution to our society, but if we are to do that it is important to clear the ground of the confusion that sometimes appears to hinder our capacity to live and speak freely.
This cross-party inquiry from both the Commons and the Lords attempts to do just that.
Evidence is to be presented to the inquiry by Christian public policy groups on a range of issues, including education, business and employment, and human rights.
A report will be compiled based on the evidence to help Christians and others understand the legal position and suggest possible improvements.
Meanwhile, a Christian attorney in Chicago wants to see the law changed so that people in the United States have “more freedom to worship”. Attorney John Mauck believes that Chicago’s mayor, aldermen and city attorneys are not adhering to the Constitution.
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