UK: Clergy could be sued if they refuse to carry out ‘gay marriages’, traditionalists fear

Clergy could be sued if they refuse to carry out “gay marriages” in church, leading figures have warned.
By Martin Beckford and Heidi Blake
03 Mar 2010

Traditionalist bishops and peers fear that vicars could be taken to court and accused of discrimination if they turn down requests to hold civil partnerships on religious premises.

Their concerns have been raised following a landmark vote by peers that will allow the ceremonies for same-sex couples to be held in places of worship for the first time.

It is also feared that the changes would blur the line further between marriage - which churches say must be between a man and a woman - and civil partnerships.

It comes after a Government drive to outlaw bias against minority groups such as homosexuals in the Equality Bill. the rest