Christian lawyers from across the country are set to rally outside parliament next Tuesday in a show of opposition to the Sexual Orientation Regulations as they come up for debate in House of Lords.

The rally has been organised by the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, a vocal opponent of the regulations, which they warn could serious curtail the freedom of Christians to live according to the Bible.

The LCF is asking thousands of Christian lawyers to petition the Queen to request that the government re-thinks the regulations "affecting the whole of the United Kingdom and thereby uphold her coronation pledge which stated that she would 'to the utmost of [her] power maintain the laws of God and the true profession of the gospel'".

Almost a year ago exactly, thousands of Christians demonstrated formidable unity when they rallied against the Religious Hatred Bill outside parliament, before it was defeated by a single vote. The LCF is hoping for the same turnout at the torch-lit protest and the same success this year.

"What better way to start the new year than by standing up before God and before men to defend the freedom to follow the Bible in this country," the group said.

"If you have never taken a public stand like this before, please prayerfully consider the importance of doing so now."

The LCF has warned that the new laws, due to come into force in April, will endanger the rights of Christians to live according to the teachings of the Bible. They fear that the likes of Christian printers will not be able to refuse to print homosexual magazines or that Christian bed and breakfast owners will be compelled to offer their rooms and services to homosexual couples.

The Church of England, meanwhile, is concerned that priests could be sued if they refuse to bless same-sex civil partnerships.

Catholics have gone so far as to warn they will close their adoption agencies rather than be forced to allow gay couples to adopt children and pastors of black churches have said they would go to jail rather than accept the new legislation which would give them no choice but to open their facilities and halls to gay groups.

The LCF petition warns the Queen the rules are a 'serious affront' to the gospel.

It reads: "The regulations purport to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, but have the consequence of discriminating heavily against Christians of all backgrounds and denominations who hold firm to the very faith which you pledged to uphold in your coronation oath."

Although the Queen does not have the power to block the new legislation, any concern she raises will increase pressure on ministers to abandon the measures.
The LCF is warning that next week's debate may be the only opportunity for Christians to demonstrate against the regulations, which can only be annulled by parliament in the next month.

"We hope that you will begin 2007 by ... attending the rally outside Parliament, to ensure that this is not a year in which legislation makes it illegal to follow the Bible's teachings."