Schedule 4 - Effect on marriage
Gender Recognition Bill [Lords]
4:45 pm
Mr Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire, Conservative)
As far as Christian organisations are concerned—I do not use the word ''church'', because that can have a specific context; for example, the Free Churches meet in many different types of buildings—I am talking about the buildings used for worship or meeting by any religious body. There should be no difficulty with this. For Christians, those are mainly, but not exclusively, churches.
Many people of faith would be concerned if they felt that a same-sex marriage had been celebrated or taken place in somewhere that is holy and special to them. They might feel violated and upset by that. There needs to be joint respect as far as the Bill is concerned. It rightly—I applaud its intention—gives rights to transsexuals, but what about the rights and sensitivities of people of faith? The sanctuary of a Baptist chapel, for example, would be regarded by the congregations concerned as a special and holy place. The fact that what they regard as a same-sex marriage
may be celebrated there against the will of that congregation is capable of causing genuine offence. I ask the Committee to accept that that is so.
In the spirit of a Bill that is trying to ensure that people's rights are protected, I hope we have fair and genuine regard for the rights of faith communities.