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UK Law Forbids Town Councils From Refusing Gay "Weddings"

Also illegal for hotels or bed-and-breakfasts to refuse homosexuals

By Terry Vanderheyden

LONDON, November 11, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Anticipating a new law that comes into force next month to allow homosexual couples to register their civil “marriages,” UK lawmakers have widened a so-called Equality Bill that makes it illegal for town councils to refuse “weddings” to same-sex couples. The same law will make it illegal for privately-owned bed-and-breakfasts, motels and hotels to refuse same-sex couples from sharing rooms.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson said he was outraged at alleged refusals by certain councils that refused to allow same-sex couples to hold wedding ceremonies. The Equality Bill amendment tabled by Lord Alli and Lord Lester, which passed a third reading in the House of Lords Wednesday, will make it illegal to discriminate against homosexuals in matters of goods, facilities or services. Activist homosexuals in the Labour Party caucus, Waheed Alli and Chris Smith, ensured the previously rejected amendments were passed.

Meanwhile Scottish B & B owner, Tom Forrest, who refused to let a same-sex couple share a double room last year, said he will not abide by the new law. “We are either going to have to become law-abiding citizens and accept these people,” Forrest said, as reported by Scotland’s Press and Journal. “Or we can do what I’m going to do and that is to go against the law on this one.”

“I’ve got to make a stand because it's against my principles,” he added. “If they go down the road of Canadian legislation, we will have to compensate these people for hurt feelings. It’s happening. I said it last year, and we're going to suffer for it.”

The Equality Bill amendments are expected to be introduced in the House of Commons by month’s end.

To contact MPs:
http://www.locata.co.uk/commons/

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