By Hilary White

LONDON, December 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The case of a Christian marriage registrar in the U.K. who had been penalized at her job for refusing to participate in same-sex civil union ceremonies, may go to the U.K.'s Supreme Court, her lawyers said on Tuesday. Lillian Ladele lost her appeal against a ruling by an Employment Appeal Tribunal who had said that she had been treated badly by her employers but that this did not constitute discrimination based on her religious beliefs.

The Court of Appeal's Lord Neuberger said, "It appears to me that, however much sympathy one may have with someone such as Ms. Ladele, who is faced with choosing between giving up a post she plainly appreciates or officiating at events which she considers to be contrary to her religious beliefs, the legislature has decided that the requirements of a modern liberal democracy, such as the United Kingdom, include outlawing discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services on grounds of sexual orientation, subject only to very limited exceptions."

Miss Ladele, whose job was to register births, deaths and marriages for the London borough of Islington, originally won her case at an employment tribunal in July 2008 claiming religious discrimination. The tribunal had ruled that the Council had perpetrated a "violation" of her dignity and "created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment," by attempting to force her to participate in the same-sex partnership ceremonies.

In 2005, when Miss Ladele asked to be excused from conducting the ceremonies, two homosexual members of the Council staff took offense and brought complaints that resulted in disciplinary actions. The Employment Appeal Tribunal that ruled against her, said that it would "undermine the council's clear commitment" to non-discrimination to "connive" with Ladele in allowing her to "manifest her belief by refusing to do civil partnership duties."

Andrea Minichiello Williams, director of U.K.-based Christian Concern for our Nation, said in a statement that the decision is another set-back for "Bible-believing Christians" in the UK.

"If this kind of legal precedent is followed it will prove increasingly difficult for Christians to participate fully in public life without contravening their conscience."

Williams added, "Our public services are increasingly using equality and diversity policies to leave Christians sidelined and punished. In effect this amounts to a religious bar to office."

A report issued by the Christian Institute this week warned that Christians are being marginalized by equality and diversity laws that favor the rights of homosexuals and force Christians to violate their consciences or lose their jobs.

The report said they are "the first to be punished and the last to be protected." It noted the "growing sense of intolerance" felt by Christians in the United Kingdom.

"Christians wonder why they are not being treated equally and why diversity does not include them," said Mike Judge, the head of communications at the Christian Institute.

"This has led to a growing feeling that 'equality and diversity' is code for marginalizing Christian beliefs."


Read related LSN coverage:

"Climate of Fear" Growing in Britain for Christian Civil Marriage Registrars
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/may/08052204.html

Labour MP Attempts to Remove Religious Freedom of Conscience after Christian Marriage Registrar Victory
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08080503.html