Christian couple lose foster case

Owen and Eunice JohnsMr and Mrs Johns said they could not tell a child homosexuality was an acceptable lifestyle
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A decision to bar a Christian couple from fostering children because of their views on homosexuality has been backed at the High Court.

Eunice and Owen Johns, 62 and 65, of Derby, said the city council did not want them to become foster carers because of their traditional views.

The couple said they were “doomed not to be approved” because of their views.

The Pentecostal Christian couple had applied to Derby City Council to be respite carers.

The court heard the couple withdrew their application after a social worker expressed concerns when they said they could not tell a child a homosexual lifestyle was acceptable.

Lord Justice Munby and Mr Justice Beatson ruled that laws protecting people from discrimination because of their sexual orientation “should take precedence” over the right not to be discriminated against on religious grounds.

“All we were not willing to do was to tell a small child that the practice of homosexuality was a good thing”

Eunice Johns

The Johns are considering an appeal.

Derby City Council said previously its first duty was to the children in its care, some of whom were very vulnerable.

Speaking outside the court in London, Mrs Johns said: “All we wanted was to offer a loving home to a child in need. We have a good track record as foster parents.

“We have been excluded because we have moral opinions based on our faith and we feel sidelined because we are Christians with normal, mainstream, Christian views on sexual ethics.

“We are prepared to love and accept any child. All we were not willing to do was to tell a small child that the practice of homosexuality was a good thing.”

The couple cared for about 15 children in the 1990s.

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, said: “Thankfully, Mr and Mrs Johns’ out-dated views aren’t just out of step with the majority of people in modern Britain, but those of many Christians too.

“If you wish to be involved in the delivery of a public service, you should be prepared to provide it fairly to anyone.”

The Christian Legal Centre reacted to the ruling with dismay and warned that “fostering by Christians is now in doubt”.

The organisation said the judgment “sends out the clear message that orthodox Christian ethical beliefs are potentially harmful to children and that Christian parents with mainstream Christian views are not suitable to be considered as potential foster parents”.

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