Tribunal ruling for Christian registrar "a triumph for the place of conscience in public duties"

Evangelical Alliance statement in response to Christian registrar case in Islington

10 July 2008

The unanimous decision by the Employment Tribunal in favour of Christian registrar Lillian Ladele “is a triumph for the place of conscience in public duties” says the Evangelical Alliance. Miss Ladele was pressured by the London Borough of Islington personally to carry out same-sex civil partnership ceremonies despite her stated unwillingness to do so because of her Christian faith.

Dr Don Horrocks, Head of Public Affairs at the Evangelical Alliance said, "This is an important landmark judgement because it conclusively confirms that where there are competing rights a balance has to be struck which treats the respective rights equally. The tribunal made it clear that it would be wrong for one set of rights to trump another. This decision underlines that, despite some recent claims to the contrary, freedom of religious conscience must be protected by law in the same way as any other human right and that employers must take a person's religion and belief fully into account when considering policy and action. The Tribunal’s unanimous decision is a triumph for the place of conscience in public duties.”

"The demands of conscience and civil duties can and must co-exist. We would call on local politicians to take note and live up to the challenge of this benchmark decision. We commend Lillian Ladele for her bravery in standing up for her faith in such intimidating circumstances".