Bishops' Conference: Proposals do not recognise conflict of rights

A balance is needed between sexual discrimination rights and those of religious groups, Catholic bishops argued in response to new equality laws.

In its submission in June, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales (CBEW) raised "serious misgivings" about the 2006 Equality Act.

In relation to the provision of goods and services, the laws did not "sufficiently recognise the conflict of rights inherent in them", the CBEW said.

It added: "In particular, we do not believe they strike a reasonable balance between the right of people not to be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual conduct or lifestyle, and the right of religious organisations to be able to act in conformity with their religious beliefs and identity."

Certain religious groups should be exempt from the laws, it said, arguing they could not be expected to "lay aside our moral and religious beliefs" when offering services.