The Presbyterian Church has described as a "worrying intrusion of legislation into the affairs of faith", the Sexual Orientation Regulations which will introduce legislation outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services.
Such services would include the letting of church halls to outside groups and would probably mean that if a congregation let other organisations use their property they could not refuse usage to a group even if that group was promoting activities contrary to the teaching of the church.
A Church report comments, "PCI respects and would seek to protect the civil, political, social and religious rights of all persons irrespective of sexual orientation and welcomes progress on such an agenda.
"However, contrary to the basis of the proposed legislation, the church distinguishes between orientation and personal lifestyle choices, regarding certain lifestyles as unacceptable as expressions of faith. Our concern is that under this legislation, with its intended narrow basis of exception for religious organisations, the right to determine when and where faith is being challenged or undermined by sexual orientation practices will no longer lie with the church but with tribunals and courts. For us this represents a worrying intrusion of legislation into the affairs of faith."
Responding to the proposed exceptions for religious organisations the Presbyterian Church continues, "While appreciating the consideration given to exceptions for religious organisations, the out-working of this proposal will be for the courts to determine what are and are not the basic doctrines of a faith. Again we would regard this as potentially a very contentious development in the relationship between religious organisations and the state."
The Church has also expressed its concern over the short time allowed for consultation and that while similar legislation in England is being reconsidered, it appears that it will be imposed on Northern Ireland using direct rule powers despite the objections of churches and other groups.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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