One of the UK's largest religious organisations has called on community leaders to oppose the new gay and lesbian Equality Bill regarding homosexual adoption.The Federation of Synagogues called on Jewish leaders to stand with the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church in opposing the Sexual Orientation Regulations, particularly in the area of adoption.
The bill, due to become law in April, aims to provide equality in the provision of goods and services for homosexuals, which would force religious groups of all denominations to accept applications from gay and lesbian couples. The Jewish community has been conspicuously quiet in the face of loud opposition in the media from other religions.Christian groups have been threatening to close down religious adoption agencies if the bill goes ahead, claiming the new regulations threaten freedom of conscience and religious expression.
The Federation of Synagogues has now forced the community’s hand by demanding it joins that opposition. It said in a statement yesterday: “This legislation forces religious groups to operate against their religious convictions and is in essence an infringement of their right to practice religion freely and sets a dangerous precedent.“Equally disturbing is the stance taken by Jewish adoption agencies not to support the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church’s attempt to uphold the value of the traditional family.“We call upon fellow leaders of the community to voice their opposition to this legislation which diminishes the Torah image of the family.”But the community’s leading adoption agency Norwood has remained unmoved by the Federation’s comments.
Chief Executive, Norma Brier, said: “Norwood provides services to the whole of the Jewish community, we do not discriminate against any group or part of the community. In adoption, as with all matters, we put the child at the forefront of our concern.”The Federation’s Dayan Lichtenstein told TJ, “We are not against all aspects of the law, but if this applys to adoption, the results will be terrifying.” The Chief Rabbi, who until now has said nothing on the issue of gay adoption and the new equality law, yesterday published a hastily-written statement in the light of the Federation document. Sir Jonathan Sacks argued that he supported the sexual orientation regulations of the European Union, but warned that the UK draft undermined rules that churches and national religious associations should be respected.
In an ambiguous press release, he stated: “Jewish law is unequivocally committed to the principle of marriage and the family, the stable association of husband, wife and child. This is at the very core of Jewish spirituality and cannot be compromised.” However, he added ‘at the same time we are committed to compassion and sensitivity. I will therefore ensure that the integrity of our religious institutions is preserved while at the same time fighting intolerance and prejudice.”He refused to answer direct questions relating to whether he supported Norwood’s policy, if he welcomes the new law, or if he agreed with the Federation’s stand.The Board of Deputies was equally ambivalent.
A spokesman said: “We hope the regulations will be framed in such a way that allows for both the effective combating of discrimination in the provision of goods and services whilst respecting freedom of conscience and conviction. These regulations are currently being debated and will be afforded due scrutiny before passing into law.”However, several orthodox rabbis have expressed concern that beyond the adoption issue, the new regulations could mean they have to rent out synagogue premises for same-sex marriage ceremonies.The Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church lobbied the government for exemptions in the new law this week. The government has ruled out privileges for Christian adoption agencies, giving them a 20-month transitional period where they can arrange to refer same sex couples to other organisations.
Rabbi Abraham Pinter, of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, announced that a meeting has been arranged to address the issue: “I can tell you that the union is actually going to be meeting very shortly to discuss this issue and we would very much support the Catholic view which we believe to be the Jewish view as well. We will make our view known very shortly on this matter.” Confusion over the official attitude of the Jewish community comes after Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet gave a speech at Coventry Road Synagogue in Ilford last week, slamming the UK’s Jewish community leadership.
He said: “We take the constant ‘don’t rock the boat’ approach when it comes to broader matters of communal concern. This reflects the utter lack of vibrancy that so personifies other communities around the world.” “There is a pathetic, timid silence, when it comes to standing up for our rights in the wider community. The fact that we have so many different organisations, and the leadership of one doesn’t speak to the other - instead of pooling our incredible resources together, is a sad indictment on the community.”
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