The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement supports both marriage equality and freedom of speech.
Adrian Smith, a Christian working as a housing manager with Trafford Housing Trust, recently expressed views on his personal Facebook page which stated among other things that in his opinion gay marriage is “an equality too far”. He wrote that “the Bible is quite specific that marriage is for…men and women if the state wants to offer civil marriage to same sex then that is up to the state; but they shouldn’t impose its rules on places of faith and conscience.”
As a result of expressing these views Trafford Housing Trust demoted Adrian Smith and cut his salary by £14,000.
The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) has been consistent in its support for marriage equality and believes that institution of marriage can embrace couples regardless of sexuality and gender. LGCM takes the view that this is consistent with a respect for Biblical principles, and would therefore disagree with Adrian Smith on the matter. However LGCM strongly disagrees with the decision by Trafford Housing Trust to demote Mr Smith.
Rev Sharon Ferguson, Chief Executive of LGCM said: “There are a number of issues here. Mr Smith is in fact mistaken to think that marriage equality legislation would force religious groups to conduct same-sex marriages. Most campaigners are opposed to this. What we are asking for is the freedom for those religious organisations who wish to offer such ceremonies to be able to do so and for these to be fully recognised in law. To force a church or other faith community to provide such a service would clearly suggest a level of state interference which would have a questionable effect upon all citizens’ freedom.
“Adrian Smith was foolish to state his views on his Facebook profile which indicated that he was employed by Trafford Housing. However, the views themselves were not inciting hatred and, as far as we understand, Adrian Smith has never been accused of discriminating against clients whatever their sexuality. It would not be unusual for an employer to reprimand an employee for publishing these remarks on a social networking site, when they so clearly contradict that organisation’s clear commitment to equality. So Trafford Housing may have acted with the best of intentions here but we believe they have overreacted and very much hope that they will reinstate Adrian Smith.
Rev Ferguson added:
“Sadly actions of this nature serve only to reinforce the view that Christians are persecuted under equalities legislation whereas in fact it is designed to protect and support us all.
“LGCM does not wish to see the development of a suppression of dissenting opinion. We endorse freedom of speech and healthy debate. This is something which LGBT people are not permitted in many parts of the world. It would be strange for us to wish this freedom denied to others in our own society who in good conscience don’t agree with us.”
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