Allister presses Paisley on Sexual Orientation regulations
14 May 2007
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
"In view of Ian Paisley's expressed opposition to the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI), upon him taking office on 8th May I wrote to him in the terms below, since OFMDFM has responsibility for this legislation.
There is not much point in being in executive office if you can't deliver on principles important to you and your electorate. These 'over the top' regulations, subverting the conscience and convictions of service providers, so that, for example, the printer can't refuse to print gay rights material or the landlord must take in those whose lifestyle he abhors, offend not just the human rights of service providers but exalt the rights of those they serve above their conscience and religious belief."
Rt Hon Dr Ian RK Paisley MP MLA
First Minister
Office of First and Deputy First Minister
Castle Buildings
Stormont
BELFAST
BT43SR
8 May 2007
Dear First Minister,
Re: The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
I write to urge you forthwith to take steps to initiate the repeal of the above regulations.
These regulations, in my view, go beyond what is required by the Equality Act and relevant EU Directives. Moreover, there are EU countries where such legislation has not been implemented.
As you know this legislation has caused great offence among Christian people. The prioritising of the rights bestowed by these regulations above the conscience and religious belief of service providers is an outrage and a stain on any Department which oversees the implementation of such a perverse law.
I would be obliged, therefore, if you could keep me informed of progress in repealing these obnoxious regulations.
Yours sincerely,
James H Allister QC MEP
