TUC: Stand firm against religious bigots

Tuesday, 09, Jan 2007 12:00

Ministers must not cave into demands from religious groups to water down new regulations preventing businesses from discriminating against gay men and lesbians, the TUC has said.

A coalition of religious groups will tonight gather outside parliament to protest against the laws, which they say undermine their right to religious freedom.

Their protest coincides with a House of Lords debate on the act.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "The government must stand firm against the religious bigots who want to continue discriminating against individuals solely because they are gay."

He added: "No-one should be denied a room in a hotel or the right to adopt a child simply because of their sexual orientation.

"But this is exactly what some religious leaders believe should happen and they are pressurising the government to continue to allow lesbians and gay men to be treated as second class citizens."