Religion and Belief

Many of you will remember the cases over the last few years concerning:

1. two employees who alleged that they were prevented from visibly wearing a cross;
2. a registrar who alleged that she was fired because she declined to officiate at same-sex civil partnership ceremonies; and
3. a counsellor who refused to provide counselling to same-sex couples because he believed that “homosexual relationships are contrary to God’s law.”

These cases have all been conjoined and have now been heard at the European Courts of Human Rights. All four individuals argue that the UK domestic law should be amended so to allow employees to manifest their religion or belief.  It is expected an outcome of these claims will be given in due course once private consideration has been given to the claims. We suspect the wait will be more the length of Jessica Ennis’ javelin throw than her shot put.

For more information, help or advice on employment issues please contact Tim Davies on 0191 211 7927 or email [email protected].