Pressure group Christian Concern For Our Nation is calling on Christians to write to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Harriet Harman following last week's vote in the House of Lords in favour of allowing churches to conduct civil partnership ceremonies. It wants he Government to remove the amendment from the Equalities Bill, warning it would "open the flood gates" of requests from homosexual couples to have their civil partnership ceremonies conducted in a church.
The amendment, introduced by homosexual peer Lord Alli, was backed by several liberal bishops in the Church of England and welcomed by gay rights groups, including Stonewall.
Many Christians fear that the amendment will lead to churches being sued if they refuse to conduct civil partnership ceremonies on their premises.
CCFON said the amendment effectively blurred the distinction between marriage and civil partnerships.
It wants thousands of Christians to sign its online petition urging the Government to reject Lord Alli’s amendment, and to write personal letters to the Prime Minister and Harriet Harman asking them personally to ensure that the consciences of Christians are respected.
Andrea Williams, Director of CCFON, said: “The amendment was debated for less than an hour and was voted through literally at the eleventh hour, taking everybody by surprise.
"To have such a significant change in the law—a change to another piece of legislation no less—take place at the end of the Equality Bill’s passing, without any real debate or consultation, and at such an hour that most Peers were not even in the House, is a disgrace and a clear manipulation of the system.
“Both Labour and the Conservatives seem to be saying they want to understand the concerns of faith communities and want to win their votes.
"We will be urging Christians to test such claims and also ask the Government to act now to ensure this amendment does not become law.”
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