The Deacon's Bench
It’s happening in Scotland. Could it happen here?
St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society in Glasgow was found to discriminate against homosexuals by giving higher priority to couples who have been married for at least two years.
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) reviewed the practices of the adoption agency following a complaint from the National Secular Society.
Despite concluding the charity provides a valuable service to the public, its investigation found St Margaret’s was operating in breach of the Equality Act 2010.
It has until April 22 to comply with the legislation or will lose its charitable status, which means it does not pay corporation tax and receives a substantial discount on its rates.
The ruling came after the SNP administration decided to press ahead with the introduction of gay marriage despite two-thirds of respondents to an official consultation being opposed.
John Deighan, the Scottish Catholic Church’s parliamentary officer, said the decision was an example of the “equality extremism” that will become more evidence when same-sex marriage is introduced.
“This proves the concerns have been valid. The adoption society has done an outstanding job throughout the years,” he said.
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