Christian registrar takes council to tribunal over civil partnerships » Communities » 24dash.com

A Christian registrar is taking a council to an employment tribunal over her refusal to perform civil partnerships for gay couples.

Lillian Ladele says she cannot carry out same sex unions "as a matter of religious conscience".

Her legal team, led by James Dingemans QC, will argue that Islington Council in north London is infringing religious equality regulations by ordering her to take part in the ceremonies.

The Christian Institute, which is supporting Miss Ladele, says the case will lead to a "landmark" ruling.

Legislation allowing civil partnerships for gay couples was introduced in 2004 and the first ceremonies took place in England and Wales in December 2005.

Miss Ladele, who has worked in the registration service for nearly 16 years, said she held "orthodox Christian beliefs" about marriage and same sex unions.

She said in a statement: "The law places a duty on local authorities to provide civil partnership registration, but does not require all registrars to take part in the registration process.

"My local authority provides a civil partnership service, but it is one that it agrees does not actually require my involvement.

"Since 2004 I have therefore been asking to be excused from civil partnership duties, allowing my colleagues to do these duties instead.

"I am not seeking to obstruct people forming civil partnerships and I have many colleagues who are willing to assist with the formation of civil partnerships.

"Other local authorities in this situation have agreed to accommodate individual consciences.

"Unfortunately, after nearly 16 years' service, this is unacceptable to my local authority, although it has decided it is acceptable for colleagues to choose not to work with me because they object to my religious beliefs.

"I believe that forcing someone to work contrary to their conscience and under threat of dismissal is not right.

"If we are genuine when we talk about diversity and equality then shouldn't we be prepared to tolerate a range of views, not simply those we agree with?"

Miss Ladele is also claiming religious harassment and religious victimisation against the council, the Christian Institute said.

Simon Calvert, the Newcastle-based institute's deputy director for public affairs, said many Christians felt they were being treated as "second class" citizens when it came to discrimination.

He added: "Since the Government first announced that they were even considering bringing in civil partnerships, we have been contacted by around 30 registrars.

"Overwhelmingly what we have seen happen is registrars being told they have got to do civil partnerships, and because of the pressure many of them have simply resigned."

A spokesman for the council said: "Islington Council will be robustly defending its position at the employment tribunal."

The case is due to be heard at the central London employment tribunal for four days from Tuesday.