An ex-magistrate who failed to get an exemption from hearings in which he might have to place children with gay couples is beginning an appeal.
Andrew McClintock, of Sheffield, says he faces discrimination for his Christian beliefs. His appeal follows an employment tribunal ruling in March.

The tribunal heard he did not want to have to remove a child from its natural family into the care of a gay couple.

He said children would escape "one kind of harm only to face another hazard".

Mr McClintock told the employment tribunal in Sheffield his request to avoid such cases had been refused.

The Christian People's Alliance Council member said new rules on same-sex couples contradicted both his personal religious beliefs and his duty as a magistrate to put the child's welfare first.

'Growing number'

He claimed that left him with no option but to resign.

Ahead of Mr McClintock's appeal hearing later, BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott said the former magistrate's stance is being reflected by others.

Our correspondent said: "Mr McClintock is one of a growing number of traditionalist Christians in public service who claim that laws giving equal rights to gay people are preventing them from behaving in accordance with their religious beliefs."

Earlier this year, when the government came under fire for legislation that prevented Catholic adoption agencies from discrimination against gay couples, it got strong support from a number of MPs.

Ministers said any dilution of the legislation would render equality for gay people pointless.


Courtesy of the BBC