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CAMPAIGNING group for the rights of gay people in Scotland has hit back at comments made by a leading Inverness clergyman.
Rev Dr John Ross, the moderator designate of the Free Church of Scotland, accused the Government of forcing sexual orientation regulations through Parliament with “reckless speed”. Dr Ross, who made the comments while preaching in the city on Sunday, called on the Government to re-think the regulations which would make it an offence, for example, for guest house owners to refuse accommodation on the grounds of sexuality. The new legislation is due to come into force next April. But Stonewall Scotland, which campaigns for equality and justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, said Dr Ross’s statement contained inaccuracies. The aim of the new regulations was to protect gay and lesbian people from the discrimination they faced daily, it insisted. In his sermon, Dr Ross said he was alarmed at how little respect the Government was showing for the consciences of Christians in the regulations. “I call on the Government to show due respect for freedom of conscience,” he said. “The reckless speed with which it is forcing through Parliament the sexual orientation regulations, totally disregarding the consciences of Christian people, is causing anxiety and fear. “Christians operating bed and breakfast accommodation are afraid of falling foul of the law by refusing a double room to an unmarried couple, whether heterosexual or homosexual. “Churches are anxious of the implications of refusing the use of their premises to groups promoting a view of family life contrary to Christian values. Ministers fear being sued if they should refuse to bless a same sex partnership.” Dr Ross maintained such fears were well founded in view of the intolerance shown recently by Edinburgh University in banning the Christian Union from running an event after opposition by a gay and lesbian group. Responding to the comments, Josef Church, Stonewall Scotland communications manager, said: “There are a lot of inaccuracies in Rev Dr John Ross’ statement about the legislation in question, such as the implication that ministers might be sued for not blessing gay couples. “The purpose of the legislation is not to deny individuals the right to their private beliefs — and doctrines of faith will be exempt — but to protect gay and lesbian people from the prejudice and discrimination they are faced with daily. “At the moment, a person could be denied access to a welfare programme or soup kitchen simply for being gay, which is unacceptable and seems very un-Christian”. Danny Alexander, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said he had received representations from constituents making similar points to those raised by Dr Ross. “I have taken up their concerns with the minister to ensure these views are taken into account,” he said. “It is right to put in this legislation to prevent people being discriminated against. But I also think that churches have made important points particularly in relation to the use of church premises and that is a matter that the minister has told me that the Government is looking at again as a result of consultation.” Regarding the issues raised about accommodating gay couples in bed and breakfast establishments, Mr Alexander said: “I am not aware of what the Government has said about that. “Clearly, in terms of provision of services — hotels or whatever — the fundamental desire of these regulations is to prevent discrimination.” Source: inverness-courier.co.uk |
