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Gay News: A Catholic adoption service has failed in its bid to prevent gay couples from adopting children.
By: Nigel Robinson
Catholic Care discrimination "not justified"
Catholic Care discrimination "not justified"
Adoption service loses fight to ban gays
Leeds-based Catholic Care had attempted to overturn an earlier judgment which ruled that they should not be allowed to discriminate against gay or lesbian couples.
In its appeal to the Charity Commission, Catholic Care had argued that complying with the UK’s sexual orientation equality regulations, which came into force in 2007, would mean losing funding from the Roman Catholic Church.
It said that it would close its adoption service – which makes up only 5 per cent of its activities – rather than lose its connection with the Church.
However, following objections from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which said that such a policy contravened the European Convention on Human Rights, the Charity Commission has now ruled that there is no justification for discriminating against gay or lesbian prospective parents.
In a statement, Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said:
“This has been a complex and sensitive decision which the Commission has reached carefully, following the principles set out by the High Court, case law and on the basis of the evidence before us. Clearly the interests of children are paramount.
“In certain circumstances, it is not against the law for charities to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation.
“However, because the prohibition on such discrimination is a fundamental principle of human rights law, such discrimination can only be permitted in the most compelling circumstances.
“We have concluded that in this case the reasons Catholic Care have set out do not justify their wish to discriminate.”
Responding to the judgment Catholic Cares said:
“The charity is very disappointed with the outcome. Catholic Care will now consider whether there is any other way in which the charity can continue to support families seeking to adopt children in need.”
