LCF: Media Coverage Misrepresented Christians on Sexual Orientation Regulations

The Lawyer's Christian Fellowship (LCF) has criticised media and organisation leaders for misrepresenting the opposition of Christians to the Sexual Orientation Regulations.

Earlier in the month, the LCF and Christian Concern for our Nation joint-organised a freedom rally outside parliament attended by thousands and a petition to the Queen asking her to request that the government re-think the regulations. Ten thousand signatures were gathered for the petition in just two weeks.

The LCF objected particularly to comments by Ben Summerskill, chief executive officer of Stonewall, who stated that Christians wished to deny basic services to gay people, including admission to hospices and hospital waiting lists. The LCF also criticised Peter Tatchell, from the gay lobby group Outrage, for describing all opponents to the regulations as a minority group of "fundamentalist religious bigots".

"As Christians we are compelled to speak Gospel truth into a society crying out for help. We are all sinners redeemed by the blood of Jesus. When the government is about to introduce laws that will compel some Christians to be complicit in sinful behaviour then as Christians the most loving thing to do is to speak out," said an LCF statement.

"However, many in society are intolerant of a message that whilst God loves every individual, it is contrary to His will to indulge in sex outside marriage, including gay sex. Those who are prepared to speak this message will be labeled homophobic, bigoted and extreme."

The LCF also said that, contrary to challenges from politicians and others, its claims about the dangers and regulations were not exaggerated or inaccurate.

"At every stage of our analysis of the law, a team of lawyers within LCF has analysed the regulations and government statements and have sought reassurances that our concerns would be met. At no stage have we ever received such assurances," the LCF said.

The LCF also said it disagreed "strongly" with the leader of the Faithworks, the Rev Malcolm Duncan, who described the approach of the demonstrators at the rally outside parliament as "virulent and aggressive".

"We would disagree strongly with these comments. The feedback from hundreds of Christians who attended the rally was a positive view of the time spent peacefully praying, singing hymns and praising God," the LCF said. "The Bishop of Southwell, Bishop of Rochester and Bishop of Winchester were present for a time at the rally, as well as many vicars, ministers and pastors. Ninety-nine per cent of the banners declared simple messages of 'freedom to believe' and 'freedom of conscience'."