Gay Rights Laws Fast-Tracked in Northern Ireland, Warns LCF

The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship has criticised the UK government for "rushing through" gay rights laws in Northern Ireland, despite opposition from churches and faith groups.

The Northern Ireland Sexual Orientation Regulations (SOR) are due to come before Parliament this week despite Ruth Kelly's recent admission that the government would delay the England, Wales and Scotland SORs by six months to address the "difficult issues" highlighted by the response of faith groups to the consultation.

In light of this postponement, the LCF accused the government "rushing through" identical regulations in Northern Ireland by using their direct rule powers while the Northern Ireland Assembly remains suspended.

The Northern Ireland SORs will be in force by 1 January, the government has said. "This means the NI Regulations which have received far less thought and consideration, will set a precedent for the England, Wales and Scotland SORs which are not due to come into force until April 2007."

The LCF said: "To rush the [Northern Ireland] law through without even waiting to respond to the many submissions received to the [Northern Ireland] consultation is unjust and undemocratic. It is a tactic which appears to deliberately undermine the process of consultation that has gone on in England, Wales and Scotland.

"That the government have done this in a place with such strong religious traditions and beliefs as Northern Ireland only worsens the situation."