The decision by the Charity Commission to refuse a Catholic charity’s request to restrict its adoption services to heterosexual couples has been welcomed by the British Humanist Association (BHA).
Leeds based Catholic Care originally appealed to the Charity Commission in 2007 as a result of regulations that prevent discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, and successfully challenged the Charity Commission’s original refusal in the High Court. In March 2010, the presiding Judge, Mr Justice Briggs, instructed the Commission to reconsider the request, which has again been refused today.
BHA Campaigns Officer Pepper Harow said ‘We strongly welcome the Charity Commission’s clear response that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is unacceptable. The full decision released by the Commission is clear that Catholic Care has not provided convincing reasons to justify this form of discrimination.’
She continued ‘If they wish to operate as a charity offering a public service, they will have to abide by the same laws as every other organisation. To allow them to do otherwise because of religious dogma and prejudices would be a failure to serve the children who need loving homes as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual people.’
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For information or comment, please contact Pepper Harow on 020 7462 4992
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.