What are your views on this story....?

Question

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7499248.stm

Answer 1

A doctor can refuse to give an abortion on religious grounds, this is no different. There are plenty of registrars who will perform civil ceremonies, so its not like g*y couples are being denied them. It is not a victory or loss for any 'side', its just bloody common sense. If she feels so strongly about it, she shouldnt have to do it. Peoples beliefs should not be compromised because of what the state does to appease political correctness. The simple solution is to let them swap if they want to, like they did before.  I dont think she is judging anyone, she is merely saying that it isnt marriage, which it isnt.

Answer 2

A civil ceremony is by law to be free from any religious malarkey. If she cannot adhere to that she should be a minister in a church not a registrar.

Answer 3

The question boils down to ~  'If she allow my religious convictions to discriminate against others and their aims, is this right'?

Yes, it is right, after all soldier are only supposed to shoot the enemy, to practise discrimination in their targets and to NOT be (like American pilots ~ seemingly) Indiscriminate in who they shoot at.

After all, the reverse could be held true that 'those who flaunt their choices of sexual / love partners in front of others and risk upsetting in doing so', and could be in breach of a number of points and end up by being sued ....for hurting others feelings.

After all, the Law in Sweden recently upheld that kids WERE NOT ALLOWED to discriminate in just WHO they invited to their parties.  Invite a schoolfriend, then you MUST invite the whole school.

You couldn't make this up if you tried.

Sash.

Answer 4

When she took the job, she took it before civil partnerships existed so she would not have been aware that she would have to conduct them in the future. Whilst I do not agree with her decision, it is her belief that to do so would be against her faith and I think she has a right to practice her faith in accordance with her beliefs. At the end of the day, it is not harming anyone. There are plenty of other registrars who will conduct civil ceremonies. Personally, I would not want someone who didn't agree with civil partnerships to conduct the ceremony if I were to have one. I would want someone who is happy for me, rather than someone who condemns me.

Religion has many facets. There are many religious leaders and followers who believe that it is wrong for a woman to be allowed to preach or conduct marriage ceremonies. This woman chooses to believe that it is fine, thus justifying her own decision. It is a shame that she can not hold a similar open view on civil partnerships. It all seems a bit hypocritical, but she is entitled to her view and interpretation.

Answer 5

About time common sense prevailed here: bet the Borough Council wouldn't have dared to to suggest it to a Moslem.

Answer 6

she should be sacked.

Answer 7

I think that people like her shouldn't be allowed to work with the public...what a bigot! I am a christian and I cannot stand those who JUDGE others on their sexual persuasion.

Answer 8

Don't people do things on the job that are against their religion all the time? Like if you were Mormon or even Jehovah's Witness and you worked at a store, you can't deny a customer beer and ciggeretts who wants beer and ciggeretts. So in this lady's case, if it's her job and something someone wants is against her religion then it's too bad.

Answer 9

Well there aren't many times I have agreed with Peter Tatchell but this time I do.

When you enter a role to serve the public you have to leave  your religious and other beliefs at the door and do what is required of you to fulfil your role.

I hope that the Council does appeal and win.

Answer 10

I think her job requires her to serve all civilians regardless of colour, creed etc. If she can't do that then she can't do her job, which means she shouldn't have that job.