Post by lemontart on Dec 15, 2006 15:20:25 GMT
This is based on a story currently big here in NI, details of which can be found here.
Basically, there is equality legislation for gays, lesbians and bisexuals working its way through the system here.
The DUP (Ian Paisley's party for those who don't know) are opposed on the grounds that Christian-run businesses would be deemed to be breaking the law if they refused access to their goods and services on "ethical grounds".
They claim that the Bible says that homsexuality is wrong and it's impinging on their religious beliefs if they are forced to, for example, hire out their church hall for a reception for a same-sex civil service. They say it would leave Christian bookshops open to harrassment claims if they stock any books expanding on Christian attitudes towards homosexuality.
The DUP's opponenets claim they are scaremongering and are instead opposing the legislation on the grounds that they don't want to see same-sex relationships gaining acceptance within the wider community.
So my question is which should take priority; religious beliefs, or equality legislation?
Basically, there is equality legislation for gays, lesbians and bisexuals working its way through the system here.
The DUP (Ian Paisley's party for those who don't know) are opposed on the grounds that Christian-run businesses would be deemed to be breaking the law if they refused access to their goods and services on "ethical grounds".
They claim that the Bible says that homsexuality is wrong and it's impinging on their religious beliefs if they are forced to, for example, hire out their church hall for a reception for a same-sex civil service. They say it would leave Christian bookshops open to harrassment claims if they stock any books expanding on Christian attitudes towards homosexuality.
The DUP's opponenets claim they are scaremongering and are instead opposing the legislation on the grounds that they don't want to see same-sex relationships gaining acceptance within the wider community.
So my question is which should take priority; religious beliefs, or equality legislation?