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Original insights into major news stories and topical investigations

The current affairs series combining original insights into major news stories with topical investigations

The Report: Evangelical Christians and Equality

Evangelical Christians and Equality

24/03/2011

BBC Radio 4 - The Report, Evangelical Christians and Equality

The story behind cases involving evangelical Christians and the Equalities legislation.

The real story behind cases involving evangelical Christians and the Equalities legislation. Is it just about faith versus gay equality, or are there other factors involved?

The newspaper headlines read "Christian couple barred from fostering children because of their views on homosexuality" and "B&B owners punished for being faithful to Christian teaching". 

They refer to two recent cases brought to court under the 2006 Equality Act: Eunice and Owen Johns who believed their Pentecostal faith was being used to prevent them caring for foster children and Stephen Preddy and Martyn Hall, a gay couple who won damages again patrons of a guesthouse run in line with what the owners believe are Christian teachings and who refused to rent out double bedded accommodation to the couple. 

In "The Report" Matthew Hill asks what really happened in these cases, and why they ended up in court. He talks to the key people involved - and the organisations supporting the different sides. They include a Christian campaign organisation, a Christian charity and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, funded by the taxpayer.

Are these cases part of a "battle for influence" amongst groups using the law as a way of increasing their leverage in society?

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