Parents in Scotland will be powerless to prevent their children from being taught about gay marriage and teachers could be forced out of their jobs if they fail to teach the normality of gay marriage.
These are just some of the claims made by leading human rights lawyer, Aidan O’Neill QC, in a legal opinion provided to the Catholic Church in Scotland.
Although the opinion considers the position in Scotland, it is thought it could also apply south of the border where British PM, David Cameron is also planning to change the law.
Other implications identified by the opinion include:
- foster carers could be barred from looking after children if they disagree with allowing to people of the same sex to marry
- religious groups could be banned from using public buildings over their support of traditional marriage
- clergy could be taken to court if they refuse to conduct a gay wedding
- churches might be better protected if they stopped hosting any weddings at all.
However the Church of England would be less likely to face litigation if it broke off all ties with the state, suggests O’Neill.
Mr O’Neill said legalising gay marriage is not required under the European Convention of Human Rights but case law makes it “clear” that parents who believe in “committed and faithful heterosexual sex” will have no recourse if this is done.
Scotland’s government ministers had previously assured teachers would not be required to include gay marriage in their lessons, however Cardinal Keith O’Brien called the promises “hollow”.
“It is clear that Scotland’s schools will be banned from promoting a traditional understanding of marriage if same-sex marriage becomes law.”
Cardinal O’Brien urged the Scottish government not to make promises they could not fulfil.
But Elly Barnes, LSBF schools campaigner, said,
“No diverse group can override another in terms of human rights, we all have the right to be treated fairly and equally as stated by the Equality Act 2010.”
“This law is supported by our ‘Equal Opportunities’, ‘Sex and relationship’ policies and by our School Codes which are followed by all in our school communities to include staff, students, support staff and governors.”
“If you believe in equality, which schools do and promote, then you believe in marriage for all.”
“Young people have learnt through our school system not to discriminate, they are not born homophobic, racist, sexist, these are the negatives that outside influences ‘force’ upon them.”
Sources
Related Posts:
- Summary of the Aidan O'Neill legal opinion on gay marriage and liberty of conscience (pdf)
- Why California's Three-Parent Law was inevitable
News category: World.
