Scottish equality charity urge caution

The Equality Network, the Scottish LGBT equality charity, have warned against Free Church of Scotland proposals to allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender (LGBT) people in public services.

The Free Church of Scotland issued a press release calling for the right to discriminate against LGBT people to be built into the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill. They have argued that civil registrars, teachers and other public sector workers should be allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

The Equality Network, say the Free Church proposals amount to “a free pass for discrimination” against LGBT people.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said:

“Scotland’s equal marriage bill already ensures that no religious group or celebrant will be required to conduct same-sex marriages, and no changes are being made to freedom of speech, but when it comes to public services LGBT people pay their taxes and deserve equal access and treatment without fear of prejudice or discrimination.

“We wouldn’t want to create a situation where your local registrar, GP or teacher could pick-and-choose whether to serve you on the basis of your race, religion, or sexual orientation.”