Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 October 2013
Man Pleads Guilty To Fatal Homeless Men Stabbings
A homeless man has pleaded guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility for the deaths of two men in Birmingham. Ian Gladwich and Wayne Busst, also homeless and sellers of the Big Issue, died after being stabbed by John Ward on Union Street in Birmingham city centre on 11 January.
Man Pleads Guilty To Fatal Homeless Men Stabbings
A homeless man has pleaded guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility for the deaths of two men in Birmingham. Ian Gladwich and Wayne Busst, also homeless and sellers of the Big Issue, died after being stabbed by John Ward on Union Street in Birmingham city centre on 11 January.
11 January 2013
New Standard Issue Handgun For British Forces
The Ministry of Defence has signed a £9m contract to provide a new standard issue handgun for British forces. For the first time in more than 40 years the Armed Forces will be given more than 25,000 new side-arms and holsters from Austria's Glock.
New Standard Issue Handgun For British Forces
The Ministry of Defence has signed a £9m contract to provide a new standard issue handgun for British forces. For the first time in more than 40 years the Armed Forces will be given more than 25,000 new side-arms and holsters from Austria's Glock.
11 May 2009
Teens Charged Over Big Issue Seller Death
Three teenagers have been charged with murdering a Big Issue seller who died in an attack in Bournemouth. The body of Ralph Millward, 41, was discovered on the pavement outside a Marks & Spencer store in Seamoor Road, Westbourne, at 7am on Friday. Two boys aged 16, and one 14-year-old boy, all from Poole, have been charged with murder.
Teens Charged Over Big Issue Seller Death
Three teenagers have been charged with murdering a Big Issue seller who died in an attack in Bournemouth. The body of Ralph Millward, 41, was discovered on the pavement outside a Marks & Spencer store in Seamoor Road, Westbourne, at 7am on Friday. Two boys aged 16, and one 14-year-old boy, all from Poole, have been charged with murder.
29 January 2015
Teenager Serving 20 Years For Murder Loses Appeal
A 16-year-old serving a minimum 20 year sentence for the murder of Ann Maguire has had an appeal against his sentence rejected. According to a report by the BBC, the the teenagers appeal was unanimously rejected.
Teenager Serving 20 Years For Murder Loses Appeal
A 16-year-old serving a minimum 20 year sentence for the murder of Ann Maguire has had an appeal against his sentence rejected. According to a report by the BBC, the the teenagers appeal was unanimously rejected.
03 November 2014
Teen To Serve At Least 20 Years For Murdering Teacher
A teenage boy who admitted murdering Leeds schoolteacher Ann Maguire, 61, is to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named, stabbed Mrs Maguire to death in a classroom at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Halton Moor on 28 April. At the court this morning he issued a former guilty plea to the murder charge.
Teen To Serve At Least 20 Years For Murdering Teacher
A teenage boy who admitted murdering Leeds schoolteacher Ann Maguire, 61, is to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named, stabbed Mrs Maguire to death in a classroom at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Halton Moor on 28 April. At the court this morning he issued a former guilty plea to the murder charge.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
