(Caveat: Some issues of legislation have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament whilst others have been retained by the Westminster government.)
The Equality Bill aims to sweep all of the existing law on equality into one Act of Parliament and to eliminate more forms of discrimination than are currently covered.
While Christians believe in the innate worth of every human being, the Bill undermines basic Christian freedoms to adhere to biblical values in the area of employment. Churches and other Christian groups will not be able to discriminate on the basis of sexual practice which contravenes biblical values or gender reassignment when employing staff.
Only roles which mainly involve teaching, promoting, or leading worship services will be exempt from the provisions of the Government’s new Equality Bill. Far from simplifying the law which the Equality Bill promised to do. The Bill places even more complex requirements above and beyond those already within the existing law and states in the Explanatory notes to the Bill that “the specific exception applies to a very narrow range of circumstances”.
This means that churches could be sued for not employing practising homosexuals for jobs including a church youth worker, secretary or accountant.
This is made clear in the Explanatory notes that accompany the bill: ‘This exception would not apply to a requirement that a church youth worker of accountant be heterosexual’.
Equalities Minister Maria Eagle has recently addressed a UK conference on Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia and Human Rights and stated that “The circumstances in which religious institutions can practice anything less than full equality are few and far between…”. This sort of so-called equality leads to censorship and discrimination.
Andrea Williams, Director of Christian Concern for our Nation commented, ‘This is a new attempt to impose the State’s secularist agenda on the Church and gag Christians from teaching and living out what the Bible says about sexual ethics. The Government thrust is that Christians should largely be free to follow Christ in private, as long as it doesn’t affect their working life ’.
Recent Christian Legal Centre cases illustrate the point. Kwabena Peat, a Christian teacher spoke out against homosexual propaganda on a school training day and found himself suspended. For more information, click here.
David Booker, working at a homeless charity was also suspended after answering questions from a colleague about his views on homosexuality.
Additionally, new or revised legislation covering 'aggravated offences' and 'hate speech' (so-called) whilst protecting the innocent, could also be used to wrongly accuse those with religious views.
Victory in Lords over Equality Bill
In a humilating defeat for Harriet Harman's Equality Bill, Peers voted 216 to 178 in favour of Lady O’Cathain’s amendment to retain existing legislation. (Author: Christians Together)
General Election alert: making the Cross count!
With a General Election looming both local and national churches and organisations are gearing up. Ian Ross and Bill Baird are two who are getting going. (Author: Ian Ross/Bill Baird/Christians Together)
Art Teacher writes to Lord Waddington
A retired art teacher has written to Lord Waddington to express his support and his concern over the implications of the proposed Equality Bill. (Author: Christians Together)
The EU; a history of our future
A former Russian dissident and political prisoner speaks candidly of his past experience and his perception of what is happening in Europe. (Author: Vladimir Bukovsky)
It's simply the arithmetic!
As ethic demographics change rapidly Christians have a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with those of different cultures. But time is running out. (Author: Christians Together)
The minarets won't come to the mountains
The Swiss vote to support a ban on minarets has been decried by politicians and pundits alike. But the outcome embodies a growing unease. (Author: Watchman)
Preacher says: 'No, Mr. President'.
Christian preacher John Piper faces up to Barak Obama's backing for new legislation offering government financial support for abortion (Author: Watchman)
The Lisbon Treaty: whose plan?
The Lisbon Treaty which many regard as an EU Constitution in disguise has now been ratified. Brian Ross ponders the development in the context of God's greater purposes. (Author: Brian Ross)
Forced Prostitution Vote: November 3 or 5
CARE are urging Christians to write to their representatives is support of pending legislation which is designed to protect the mis-treatment of women in the face of increasind demand for paid sex in the UK. (Author: CARE)
New EU legislation threat to Christian liberty
A law expert explains how new EU legislation could criminalise Christians on the basis of third parties claiming to be 'harrassed'. (Author: Christian Concern for Our Nation)
Who is God's choice to stand in the gap?
The recent introduction of Sunday sailings to Lewis has brought the issue of Christian input to public and political affairs into sharper focus, and candidate selection is a vital and unanswered question. (Author: Christians Together)
An Israeli PM goes to Washington - again
If you know anyone out there on planet earth who thinks that there is a simple two-state solution for Israeli/Palestinian politics, please point them to this report. (Author: Stratfor)
Church and State; who's boss?
Throughout the centuries there has been a continuing power struggle between Emperors and Popes, Kings and churches - and it could surface again. (Author: Watchman)
The need for a New World Order
At the recent G20 summit and following the meltdown in the world's financial system, leaders are increasingly planning openly for a New World Order. (Author: Tony Pearce)
Christians and Politics; one young preacher's views
With the increasing hostility of public policy to Godly living, the question of Christian engagement with the politic process is rising on the agenda. (Author: Christians Together)
Highland pastor's wife to stand in By-election
The wife of an Inverness pastor is to stand as a Scottish Christian Party candidate in the forthcoming by-election for Inverness West Ward. (Author: Christians Together)
'Curfews' in the Highlands to tackle rising crime
Rising levels of public disorder including violent and criminal behaviour is obliging police in the North of Scotland to introduced a quasi-curfew system to control rising crime. (Author: Watchman)
Car repair cost could rocket if the EU has its way
Pending changes in EU laws could see car owners across the member nations - especially in rural areas like the Highlands and Islands - facing rocketing costs for car repair. (Author: Christians Together)
Anarchists, humanists and religionists united
The current unrest is seeing Christian organisations getting into dangerous alliances with those who are - to one degree or another - enemies of the Gospel. (Author: Christians Together)
Calls for a new global currency
In the context of the present worldwide economic crisis the calls for a new global currency are emerging from a variety of different and significant sources. (Author: Christians Together)
Scottish Christian politics: is the party over?
The last election is 2 years past; the next one is looming. Is the notion of a Scottish Christian party a viable response to a nation increasingly devoid of salt and light? (Author: Christians Together)
Write to your elected representative
It has never been easier to contact those who are elected to represent us. Link to Write to Them for a list of MPs, MSPs and local councillors. (Author: Christians Together)
Rick Warren's prayer at Obama's inauguration
Pastor Rick Warren prays at the inauguration ceremony of Barak Obama as the incoming 44th President of the United States of America. (Author: Christians Together)
Strathclyde fireman wins 'landmark' case
A Strathclyde fireman has won his legal battle against his bosses after he was punished for refusing to take part in a ‘gay pride’ march. (Author: Christian Institute)
Euro Parliament calls for abortion and gay marriage
The European Parliament has passed a resolution which calls for abortion rights and ‘gay marriage’ to be promoted throughout the EU. (Author: Christian Institute)
Warren to pray at Obama inauguration
Rick Warren has been invited to pray at the inauguration of Barak Obama. Many will be listening closely to the pastor's words. (Author: Christians Together)
MSPs say keep oral sex unlawful for under-16s
Gordon MacDonald of CARE for Scotland has argued successfully that Government plans to legalise oral sex for children as young as 13 should be scrapped. (Author: Christian Institute)
Plans to abolish the Act of Settlement
Discussions are again underway to abolish the Act of Settlement - a move that would fundamentally influence how we are governed under God. (Author: Christians Together)
The cost of naked greed
Gordon Gecko's "Greed is good" culture in the banking system is costing lives whilst corporate financiers fail to answer the most obvious and basic of questions. (Author: Watchman)
Word from the Lord was rare in those days
A Conservative Shadow Secretary has written of his sadness regarding the spiritual 'famine' in Scotland, and the "hunger in the lives of men". (Author: Christians Together)
American election - the most important letter..
Concerning the forthcoming presidential election, American pastor Dutch Sheets writes what he considers to be "the most important letter of [his] life (Author: Dutch Sheets)
The CARE Leadership Programme
Care are currently looking for Christian young people who are interested in the Leadership Programme which is due to run from Sept 2009 - July 2010. (Author: CARE)
Ian Paisley calls for repentance over crash
Rt. Hon. Rev. Ian Paisley, the outspoken MP from Northern Ireland, has called the government to repentance over the current financial crash. (Author: Christians Together)
SCP Highland Annual Conference 2008
The Scottish Christian Party is (d.v.) to hold its 2008 Highland Conference in Inverness. The conference will focus on progress to date and development issues. (Author: Scottish Christian Party)
Where is our faith?
The current crisis in the financial world presents both a challenge and an opportunity. God has said: "I will shake all things." As Christians, how do we respond? (Author: The Editor)
Christians seen as 'tainted' says Archbishop
Christian groups are seen as "tainted" by Government and by other funding agencies warns Dr. John Sentamu, the second-highest figure in the Anglican Church. (Author: The Telegraph)
Who is Sarah Palin?
What do we know about the Governor of Alaska and the woman who has been appointed as running mate to Senator John McCain in the US presidential elections? (Author: Christians Together)
Big brother could be standing next to you
The extension of police powers to other agencies and the extent to which members of the public are being used and encouraged to report fellow citizens is an alarming trend. (Author: Christians Together)
Parliamentary Prayer Update 4 June 2008
An update from Anne McIntyre and her team from Parliamentary Prayer Scotland bringing the latest news from the political scene in our nation (Author: PPS Team)
Embryos Bill - a sad result
Colin Hart, the Director of the Christian Institute writes following the vote in the House of Commons on the Embryo Bill (Author: Christian Institute)
Parliamentary Prayer Update 21 May 2008
An update from the PPS Team concerning contemporary and relevant issues affecting the life of our nation. (Author: PPS Team)
Rob Parsons to speak at Time for Reflection
Rob Parsons of Care for the Family is due to address the Scottish Parliament at Time for Reflection. The invitation comes through Mrs. Karen Gillon MP (Author: CT)
Story of last night's free speech victory
Free speech law victory in the House of Lords safeguards the liberty to preach the Gospel and protects against charges when speaking about homosexuality (Author: Christian Institute)
BBC and ITV taken to court by Christian candidate
A LONDON mayoral candidate is taking the BBC and ITV to the High Court for ‘censoring’ his Party Election Broadcasts in the run up to the May 1 elections. (Author: Christian Legal Centre)
Prayer support and Bibles for Councillors
An offer of prayer support and a gift of Bibles to be presented to Highland Council members and chief officials by Lord Mackay has prompted a number of reactions. (Author: Christians Together)
Survey by 3rd-year HTC Student
This is a survey being done by a 3rd-year student at the Highland Theological College. Please give a couple of minutes to give your answers and encourage the student concerned. (Author: The Editor)
Loyalist march phone calls to councillors probe
Two city councillors who publicly opposed the Loyalist march through the streets of Inverness have received allegedly intimidating phone calls. (Author: Christians Together)
CARE under fire
The Christian organisation CARE has been attacked by a national newspaper with claims that the charity is illegally influencing MPs. (Author: CT)
Thumbing our noses at God
A scan of some of the latest news from the Christian Legal Centre will show us as a nation that is in open rebellion against the things of God. (Author: Andrea Minichiello Williams)
Sharia Law's need for supremacy
Sharia Law is underpinned by a theology which gives it supreme status. It is not intended as the partner to any other legal system, but its total replacement. (Author: David Andrew)
Statement on the Archbishop's 'Sharia' views
A Statement from Rev. Dr. Clifford Hill on the Archbishop of Canterbury's recently expressed views regarding the incorporation of Sharia Law into Britain (Author: The Editor)
A 2008 update from Parliamentary Prayer team
Anne McIntyre of Parliamentary Prayer Scotland speaks about the year past, how to engage with prayer for the nation, and gives insights into the political scene
Tony Blair - a man to watch
The UK's former Prime Minister is in the process of building credentials in a wide variety of important political and religious spheres. (Author: Watchman)
He who pays the piper..
Many Christian organisations are turning to secular sources of money to finance their operations. This practice can compromise ethics and create huge problems. (Author: Watchman)
The EU - an empire reborn?
The EU - as a new treaty is signed and the (permanent) post of President created are we seeing the emergence of the Empire of Europe. (Author: Watchman)
SCP Inverness monthly meetings
Monthly meetings of the Inverness Branch of the Scottish Christian Party - All interested parties most welcome (Author: Donald Boyd)
Wording of gay speech crime
The Christian Institute and the Lawyers Christian Fellowship (LCF) are concerned about inadequate protection for free speech
Abortion, euthanasia and the SCP
On the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act 1967 and since then, 6.7 million abortions have taken place; and the BMA are now giving no lead in the euthanasia debate
Ex magistrate begins appeal
An ex-magistrate who failed to get an exemption from hearings in which he might have to place children with gay couples is beginning an appeal.
A litany of offensive legislation
In 2006 the Western Isles Council in Scotland received hate mail and death threats because its registrars refused, on moral grounds, to conduct civil partnership ceremonies. (Author: Christian Concern for Our Nation)
SOR Northern Ireland update
A High Court ruling in Northern Ireland has quashed legislation which could have aversely affected Christian witness. The case was brought by the Christian Institute and some NI churches (Author: Lawyers Christian Fellowship)
Building relationships with politicians
A "CARE" guide to "connecting" with those who are elected by the people for the people.
SCP - Highland Annual Conference 2007
Post-election feedback, consultation, Q and A, preparation for AGM and next Election.
Morning and afternoon sessions. All welcome!
Threats to freedom to witness
The Discrimination Law Revue could have a massive impact on the freedom for Christians and others to say what they believe without fear of prosecution. (Author: Lawyers Christian Fellowship)
Kirking of the Council put on ice
Inverness Provost Bob Wynd has stated that the Kirking of the Council would in future go into abeyance until the start of the next council four-yearly cycle in 2011.
Concern over 'Public Benefit' test
Churches and Christian organisations could be seriously and financially impacted by proposed legislation relating to the operation of charitable bodies. (Author: CCFON/LCF)
Election results in the Highlands and Islands
A summary from the BBC's web site of the election results for the Highlands and Islands area.
Post-election observations, thoughts and feelings
The election is over; the results are in. Where to now for Christians in Scotland who might feel called to the arena of political activism?
Christians and Politics
This is an area of the Christians Together web site for discussion on political issues.