UKIP Wants To Create Clause To Allow Christians To Oppose Gay Equality

UKIP leader Nigel Farage.

It has been revealed that UKIP (The UK Independence Party) has pledged that if they are to be elected into power that they will introduce a 'conscience clause' that would allow Christians exemptions from anti-discrimination laws based on their religious beliefs.

Though the promise was omitted from their main manifesto, a document outlining the parties anti-gay standing was sent out to churches and anti-gay group Christian Concern.  The document has so far not been circulated in any other way, indicating UKIP's intentions to try and keep their anti-gay agenda out of the media spotlight.

The document outlines the UKIP beliefs as follows;

'UKIP opposes same-sex marriage legislation because it impinged upon the beliefs of millions of people of faith.  Rushed through parliament without proper public debate, the legislation is significantly flawed.  It should have been subject to a review of the state's role in marriage.

'We will not repeal the legislation, as it would be grossly unfair and unethical to 'un-marry' loving couples or restrict further marriages, but we will not require churches to marry same-sex couples.  We will also extend the legal concept of 'reasonable accommodation' to give protection in the law to those expressing a religious conscience in the workplace on this issue.'

The UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, says in the document;

'Sadly, I think that UKIP is the only major political party left in Britain that still cherishes our Judeo-Christian heritage.  I believe that other parties have deliberately marginalised our nations faith, whereas we take Christian values and traditions into consideration when making policy.

'Take the family, for instance.  Traditional Christian views of marriage and family life have come under attack of late, whereas we have no problem in supporting and even promoting conventional marriage as a firm foundation for a secure and happy family.'

Many rights groups have reacted negatively to the document and the 'secret' UKIP manifesto and have condemned their tactic in sending it out only to Christian groups in an attempt to avoid negative publicity.

One of the groups that the document was sent to, Christian Concern, have in the past actively worked to oppose equal rights for the LGBT community and their leader Andrea Williams just last week attended a conference to discus a 'gay cure', a conference that UKIP candidate Alan Craig was due to attend before it was announced to the press.

Amy.
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