London Civil Servant Sues for Right to Discriminate Against Gays
Monday 19th May 2008
A registrar in the London borough of Islington has sued for the right not to marry gay and lesbian couples.
A newlywed couple in Iceland.
Lilian Ladele has been told she could lose her job at the North London council if she does not agree to perform the unions. Ladele, however, has said that she should be free to abstain from the act because of her religious beliefs.
Ladele claims that the loss of her job would be "discrimination or victimisation on grounds of religion or belief." She told a British paper: "I can’t go against what it says in the Bible. I don't understand why the council can’t use other people who have no problem with the ceremonies."
The council has said that it will defend its position to the last. They believe that allowing Miss Ladele to neglect her duties would set a dangerous precedent in which men and women could use religion as an excuse for their own prejudice.
The local MP for Islington, Labour member Emily Thornberry, has said: "I cannot sit by whilst others attempt to undermine equality in the provision of public service on any basis."
A newlywed couple in Iceland.
Lilian Ladele has been told she could lose her job at the North London council if she does not agree to perform the unions. Ladele, however, has said that she should be free to abstain from the act because of her religious beliefs.
Ladele claims that the loss of her job would be "discrimination or victimisation on grounds of religion or belief." She told a British paper: "I can’t go against what it says in the Bible. I don't understand why the council can’t use other people who have no problem with the ceremonies."
The council has said that it will defend its position to the last. They believe that allowing Miss Ladele to neglect her duties would set a dangerous precedent in which men and women could use religion as an excuse for their own prejudice.
The local MP for Islington, Labour member Emily Thornberry, has said: "I cannot sit by whilst others attempt to undermine equality in the provision of public service on any basis."
