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25/01/2007
Government fights Catholic adoption opt-out lobby
The government is taking a firm stance on the exemption being sought by Roman Catholic adoption agencies in regards to the anti-gay discrimination laws.
The agencies have threatened closure if they do not win over the right not to place children with gay couples.
Education Secretary Alan Johnston told BBC Radio News today that he could see no way to provide for this opt-out as this would be "plain, simple discrimination."
However, Downing street have admitted that while cabinet discussions were "ongoing" on the issue, reports that Mr Blair had conceded on the exemption issue were incorrect.
Today Mr Blair promised a decision next week on whether there would be an opt-out provision in the legislation. A Commons vote on the issue remains on the cards.
Mr Blair said: "Both gay couples and the Catholic agencies have high levels of success in adopting hard to place children. It is for that reason we have taken time to ensure we get these regulations right."
However, there are clear indications that there is the threat of a split on the issue and Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, who is a practising Catholic, is reported to be prepared to resign over the issue.
Church leaders have written to the government to say that matters of conscience should not be the subject of legislation.
The Equality Act is to come into force in England and Wales in April.
(SP/EF)
The agencies have threatened closure if they do not win over the right not to place children with gay couples.
Education Secretary Alan Johnston told BBC Radio News today that he could see no way to provide for this opt-out as this would be "plain, simple discrimination."
However, Downing street have admitted that while cabinet discussions were "ongoing" on the issue, reports that Mr Blair had conceded on the exemption issue were incorrect.
Today Mr Blair promised a decision next week on whether there would be an opt-out provision in the legislation. A Commons vote on the issue remains on the cards.
Mr Blair said: "Both gay couples and the Catholic agencies have high levels of success in adopting hard to place children. It is for that reason we have taken time to ensure we get these regulations right."
However, there are clear indications that there is the threat of a split on the issue and Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, who is a practising Catholic, is reported to be prepared to resign over the issue.
Church leaders have written to the government to say that matters of conscience should not be the subject of legislation.
The Equality Act is to come into force in England and Wales in April.
(SP/EF)
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