No to Abortion changes!

We welcome the outcome of yesterday's debate within the Northern Ireland Assembly that no change will be made to the current abortion law in Northern Ireland.
We commend each MLA who voted against it.

Below is a report by the Christian Institute:

The Christian Institute has welcomed as ‘heartening’ Stormont’s refusal to weaken legal protections for the unborn in Northern Ireland.
Late last night MLAs voted 59 to 40 against amending legislation to allow abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality. They voted 64 to 32 against allowing abortion in cases of sexual crime.
During the debate, politicians from different parties expressed concern about the proposals.

‘Abortion on demand’

DUP MLA Emma Pengelly said medics had advised that there is no such term as “fatal foetal abnormality”, a point echoed by SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly.
Kelly also warned that changing the law in this way could pave the way for “abortion on demand”.

Abortion is not good healthcare for women Callum Webster

Before the debate, Attorney General John Larkin QC raised concerns that changing the law in this way could breach obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Vital protection

The DUP has asked the Health Minister Simon Hamilton to set up a working group to look into the issues raised by severely life-limiting disabilities.
The Christian Institute’s Northern Ireland Officer Callum Webster said that the existing law, permitting abortion only when the mother’s life is at risk, is a vital protection for women.
“It is heartening that the majority of MLAs have voted to uphold the sanctity of life today at Stormont. There has been a media campaign to undermine the legal protections afforded to our unborn children, but thankfully politicians have resisted that co-ordinated pressure.

Overwhelming opposition

“Abortion is not good healthcare for women. Instead we need to look at improving perinatal hospice care provision for babies with very limited life expectancies”.
Mr Webster added: “The Government’s own consultation last year showed that the public overwhelmingly opposes weaker abortion legislation – in fact less than one per cent favoured changing the law.
“The Assembly has stood up for the people of the Province and against those who wish to sell abortion as a positive choice whilst devaluing the lives of the most vulnerable in our society.

Lasting trauma

“I have had the privilege of meeting many women who have a different story to tell about abortion than the one popularised by the pro-abortion activists.
“Women like Lesley McAskie who was raped at 13 years old. A truly horrific experience but one made even worse by the lasting trauma of aborting her child.
“Women like the late Hilary McDowell – born with multiple disabilities and given a life expectancy of just 3 weeks – who went on to become a highly successful writer and broadcaster.

‘Precious hour’

“Women like Charlene McCabe, whose little girl Myla had Edwards Syndrome, a severe genetic disorder that would have been covered by these amendments. She told me that the time she had with Myla was the most precious hour and 55 minutes of her life – time she would never forget.”
“We know doctors are not infallible and they know that themselves. I have spoken to a couple right here in Northern Ireland who were told their son had a fatal foetal abnormality and were pressured to abort. The diagnosis was completely inaccurate.
“And what about the voice of the unborn? The children whose lives are on the line because someone decides that their life is not worth living. I was able to meet Gary, conceived through the awful trauma of rape but whose mother refused to abort him – a decision for which he is grateful beyond words.
“And these are just a few examples. Today, these people, and many more like them, can take comfort in the knowledge that their voices have been heard and that people like them are recognised for their value as human beings and for the incredible contribution they make to society.”

http://www.christian.org.uk/news/mlas-block-push-to-weaken-protections-for-unborn/

Proposed amendments to the Justice (no 2) Bill

In 2015 the Department of Justice held a consultation regarding the criminal law on abortion. 
This focused on two aspects - Lethal foetal abnormality and sexual crime. The response was reported as follows -  

• There were 712 individually written responses. 579 of these opposed change, 133 supported change;

• There were 65 responses from representative organisations and interested groups.

47 of these supported change, 18 were against;

• there were 921 letters opposing change written in support of seven lobby campaigns which may have been organised by individual churches or faith groups;

• There were 23,622 petition signatures opposing change. The petition, called Project Love, was organised by Every Life Counts Ireland. It was made up of 18,000 postcards, delivered to the Department by Precious Life; a further 2,197 sent directly to the Department and 3,425 signatures to the electronic version of the petition on a website called CitizenGo.org.

Despite the overwhelming public opposition, at the end of last month proposed amendments were made by the Alliance party and the Green party to implement these changes to the Justice Bill.

It seems they are intent on riding roughshod over the views of the people to fulfil their own liberal agenda.

While we acknowledge the pain and the trauma of both parents and the women involved in each of these cases, the Bible teaches us that every life is important before God. David could say in-

Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works;”

It is our Christian duty in obedience to the commands of God to preserve life and not to end it.

Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill. 

If a child develops cancer or some handicap then both the parents and the medical profession will rightly do all that they can to preserve the life of their child and provide the best level of care that is possible, why should this be different if the child is still in the womb?

Why should we as a society make such excellent provision for those who are disabled to integrate into normal life and at the same time end the lives of those whom we fear may be born disabled?

The amendment states-

(a) a pregnancy is terminated by a registered medical practitioner where a diagnosis has been made of a foetal abnormality which is likely to prove fatal, and

(b) the diagnosis was made by two suitably qualified registered medical practitioners who are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that—

(i) the condition of the foetus is likely to cause death either before birth, or during birth, or, (ii) if a live birth should occur, there is no medical treatment which could be offered to alter the fatal nature of the condition or improve the chances of survival.

What if the medical Practitioner gets it wrong?

They did in the case of Dale Eakin –

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-news/wee-superstar-dale-eakin-turns-18-1-7192067 

Remember - one of main arguments for the abolition of capital punishment was the risk of an innocent person being executed.

Who defines the scope of “a foetal abnormality which is likely to prove fatal”?

 According to the Department of Health abortion statistics for England and Wales in 2014-

3,099 abortions (2%) were carried out under ground E (risk that the child would be born handicapped).  

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/abortion-statistics-england-and-wales-2014

When those figures are broken down 662 abortions were due to an assumed diagnosis of Downs syndrome, others for spina bifida, cleft lip and cleft palate.

 In the case of Rape-

 Rape is a crime, as is incest and yet why should the innocent unborn child be the one to suffer. The child is as much a victim as the mother; the taking of the life of the child only compounds the damage that has been done.

One victim made the comment that the birth of the child was the only light to come out of such a dark event. Another woman who had suffered this terrible crime made the comment that she had got over the rape but not the abortion.  
Figures released by the Rape Crisis Network Ireland in 2013 showed that in 90 cases of pregnancy through rape only 17 women and girls chose to have a termination. In the 2014 report, 40% of those who became pregnant went on to give birth and parent their children.

Dangers of abortion.

Abortion for many has left them suffering from depression and a sense of guilt that they may never get over. This is confirmed by a number of studies- 

· A study in Finland revealed a six-fold increased rate of deaths from suicide among aborting women. (BMJ 1996; 313:1431-1434)

· A study conducted in Wales on 408,000 women between 1991 and 1995; found that women who had induced abortions were 225 percent more likely to commit suicide than women admitted for normal delivery. (BMJ 1997; 314:902)
There is also the risk associated with future pregnancies after induced abortion to be considered as well.

Regardless of the liberal agenda within society, if we depart from the laws of God then it will be to the detriment of our land. 

Therefore we urge that the abortion Law in Northern Ireland remain as it is.

The Lord Jesus Christ said regarding the children-

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Latest turn in the Ashers Baking Company case!

Reported in the Belfast Newsletter 3/2/16

A high profile appeal by Christian bakers who were found to have discriminated against a gay customer has been dramatically halted to facilitate an intervention by Northern Ireland’s top legal adviser.

Attorney General John Larkin QC has made a last-minute request to make representation in the case about any potential conflict between the region’s equality legislation and European human rights laws.

The McArthur family’s refusal to bake the customer’s order for a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan was ruled unlawful last year.

Northern Ireland’s Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan said: “It is most unfortunate this issue has arisen only two days before this hearing.

“Although we have all tried to see if we could proceed with the case given the amount of work that has been done.
“It seems to us that it is simply not possible to do that without running into some risk of fairness in the hearing.
“We are not going to proceed with the hearing today.”
Gay rights activist Gareth Lee, a member of LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, had wanted a cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie with the slogan Support Gay Marriage for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia in May 2014.

He paid in full when placing the order at Ashers’ Belfast branch, but two days later the company phoned to say it could not be processed.
The high-profile case was heard over three days last March.
Delivering her reserved judgment two months later, District Judge Isobel Brownlie found Ashers directly discriminated against Mr Lee who had been treated “less favourably”, contrary to the law.
Ordering the bakers to pay agreed damages of £500, the judge said religious beliefs could not dictate the law.

The Northern Ireland Equality Commission, which monitors compliance with the region’s anti-discrimination laws, took the landmark legal action on behalf of Mr Lee.
Mr McArthur said the bakery treated Mr Lee like any other customer.
The appeal, which has been adjourned until May, was being heard before three of Northern Ireland’s most senior judges.
Afterwards, Dr Michael Wardlow - chief commissioner with the Equality Commission, expressed disappointment at the delay.
He said: “We came here today for this very important case and we were looking forward to hearing the arguments.

“We are very disappointed that at this very late stage another argument has come in and that has to be resolved.
The reality is it could take months.”
Throughout the brief hearing Mr Lee sat in the front row of the public gallery beside representatives of the Equality Commission.
Three rows behind were Ashers directors Karen and Colin McArthur with their son, the firm’s general manager Daniel McArthur, and his wife Amy, plus Simon Calvert from the Christian Institute, which has garnered public support and financial backing for the bakers.
Also in court were Democratic Unionist MLAs Paul Givan and Edwin Poots, a former Stormont health minister.

Much of the hearing was dominated by complex legal argument around how the so-called “devolution issue” could be handled.
Robin Allen QC, representing the Equality Commission, said it was up to the court to decide whether to “salami slice” proceedings.
He added: “I dive into these waters with some degree of trepidation.”
However, Sir Declan Morgan said there was a danger of “losing track” of the argument if the case was split in two with any arguments from the Attorney General being heard at a later stage.
He added: “We all have life jackets on.”

Outside the court, Mr Calvert spoke on behalf of the McArthur family.
He said: “The court has adjourned the hearing essentially because of the importance of the issues at stake. The Attorney General has raised a number of issues. We were neutral as to whether those issues came in but the court wants to hear them.
“It just confirms that this is a really important case and the court and all the parties want to make sure all the issues are properly rehearsed in court and we will be back on May 9 to do that.”
The hearing has been adjourned.

Proposed changes with regard to Criminal law on abortion.

On behalf of the Government and Morals Committee of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster we would like to respond to the proposed changes with regard to Criminal law on abortion.

The introduction to your consultation states, “It is not a debate on the wider issues of abortion law – issues often labelled as ‘pro-choice’ and ‘pro-life’.” And while we appreciate that the Justice Department does not want to be drawn into a deeper debate on this issue it is very hard to divorce the two subjects for they are linked. 

As a church body we seek to adhere to the teaching of Scripture as found in the Ten Commandments on the preservation of life from the time of conception until natural death.

The proposed changes to Criminal law relate to two specific aspects surrounding the subject of abortion in connection with foetal disability and rape. While this has caused much media attention in recent days we believe that there is another agenda being pushed by those who desire a more liberal society and a lowering of moral standards.

In fact we view the changes being pushed within society as bringing about a devaluing of human life, whether it is that of the unborn or the elderly person who cannot care for themselves. Society has become selfish and does not want to care for the disabled at any end of the age spectrum and this proposed change is feeding that vile appetite.

We are concerned by some of the terms that are used within this document-

Section 1:1 of the document refers to a foetus being "incompatible with life"; this does not make sense since by definition-

"A foetus is an unborn animal or human being in its later stages of development." (Collins English Dictionary)

The fact that development has commenced at the point of conception means that there is life. From the time of conception cells have been growing and reproducing at a vast rate. "life" is defined, as the ability to grow and to reproduce, so by the very fact that the unborn child is named a foetus is clear evidence that it is alive. Therefore the reference to a foetus being "incompatible" with life is absolute nonsense.

With that point in view this consultation is based upon an incorrect premise!

While we strongly disagree with the terminology used, there are some important questions that need to be asked-

• Who determines if the foetus is "incompatible" with life?
• On what basis do they make this determination?
• How accurate are their procedures?
• Have they been known to make errors in the past?

What we are speaking about is the importance and value of one life. We must bear in mind that the one of main arguments for the abolition of Capital Punishment was the risk of an innocent person being executed. Yet in this consultation there is the desire to murder the unborn children upon the basis of a judgment made by two medical Practitioners who have a very real chance of getting it wrong. 

From the perspective of a justice department is this the line you want to go down?

Question 2 - Should the law allow for abortion in the case of lethal Foetal Abnormality?

The case mentioned in the opening chapter of the consultation is that of Sarah Ewart, whose unborn child had been diagnosed with anencephaly. There are a number of disorders that are termed as "fatal foetal abnormalities", such as Anencephaly, Edwards syndrome (Trisomy18), Inencephaly and Potter’s Syndrome.

For the parents who are given the news from the medical profession that their child/ren may have one of these disorders it is heart rending. They face the possibility of a full term pregnancy and the likelihood that their little one/s may only live for a short space of time. 

For the mother who will feel the movements of the little one/s it is most traumatic. For while other expectant mums are making plans for a nursery she is unsure what to do. It is an issue, which affects not only the parents but also the family circle, and many tears can be shed and heartache felt over the situation.

In listening to and reading the comments made by Sarah Ewart this turmoil of mind is brought very readily to the fore. Yet we must remember that this unborn child is a human being. While the unborn baby may have what is termed a "lethal foetal abnormality", it does not detract from the fact that he/she is alive and has been growing within the womb. 

Advice/Support

Where such a diagnosis is made, it is vital that the parents have all the advice that the medical profession can give and that it is not assumed that they will have an abortion. 

A Report made by a working party of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in May 2010 entitled "Termination of Pregnancy for Foetal Abnormality in England, Scotland and Wales" made this recommendation-

" 6. It should not be assumed that, even in the presence of an obviously fatal fetal condition such as anencephaly, a woman will choose to have a termination. A decision to decline the offer of termination must be fully supported (section 6)."

(https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/terminationpregnancyreport18may2010.pdf) pg. ix

The Mail Online carried the story of Carrie Curtis on the 29th July 2013. This young 20 year woman was pregnant with a child that had been diagnosed with Potters syndrome and made the decision, that while there was a heartbeat she wanted to go full term. Yet she recalls how every fortnight when she went for her check-up she was asked if she wanted to terminate the baby.

In the case of a young woman such as Sarah, she and her husband should have the opportunity to meet with others who have faced similar situations and not opted for abortion. They should be provided with help as to how best to prepare for the birth of the child, what to expect and how to deal with the possibility of the infant's death at whatever stage it may occur.

Having had the opportunity to speak to the parents of three children, one of which has "Hydranencephaly" and is now 20 years of age, and one who had Microencephaly who passed away aged 3 1/2. We can say that contrary to what is regularly stated, such conditions are not always fatal. 

These parents had been advised to have an abortion that none of the children would live longer than a few days, but the medical Practitioners got it wrong and this is only one instance.

The sad truth is that for children born with such conditions, help is not forth-coming for either them or the parents. They are made to feel that they are unwanted and are placing an unnecessary burden on others. This is an issue that ought to be addressed. 

Section 4.13 states that ‘the Department believes that a woman…. whatever the effect on her mental health, should have the choice to terminate the pregnancy, if that is the action she considers appropriate.’ 

Does the Department believe that if a mother determines to continue with the pregnancy, she and the child should still have the full support of the medical facilities available?

Having read the comments of women who have had a similar experience, many of them spoke of the difficulty of the pregnancy knowing that they would most likely only see their child alive for a short time. Yet they were able to say that despite the stress and tears, they were better mentally and emotionally, for being able to hold their little infant and introducing him/her to the father and other family members. They indicated that by the time of the birth much grieving had been done and they were able to deal with the sad death in a more dignified manner.

Risks associated with abortion

Our concern is that pregnant women carrying a child, who may have what is termed a "fatal foetal abnormality", will be pushed into having an abortion without adequate advice and time being given. 

Abortion is portrayed as a quick-fix solution. A way to avoid the pain and grief that comes with the death of a child, a means of getting back to a normal routine as quickly as possible, and avoiding long periods of care for a very ill child, yet that is not the case. Abortion for many has left them suffering from depression and a sense of guilt that they may never get over.

The Medical journal Vol. 290 dated 23th March 1985 (pg. 908) details a study conducted in Mid Glamorgan between 1977 and 1981 focused on mothers who had an abortion because of fetal malformation. They make the following remarks-

"Twenty two women (46%) whose pregnancies had been terminated for fetal malformation recalled that at six months they still had symptoms of depression with some anxiety compared with none in the other three groups combined."

(Sequelae and support after termination of pregnancy for fetal malformation, British Medical Journal-VOLUME 290 23 MARCH 1985 pg 908)

In the report mentioned earlier "Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Abnormality in England, Scotland and Wales" dated May 2010, with regard to Post Termination care we read "Well-organised follow-up care is essential after a termination for fetal abnormality. Anecdotal feedback from Antenatal Results and Choices indicates that this is an area of care that some women find lacking."

Evidently since the study in the Medical Journal dated 1985 very little has changed with regard to the care given after abortion yet it is being readily promoted as a solution to an already traumatic experience. There is risk of depression and other studies indicate an increased risk of suicide-

• A study in Finland revealed a six-fold increased rate of deaths from suicide among aborting women. (BMJ 1996; 313:1431-1434)
• A study conducted in Wales on 408,000 women between 1991 and 1995; found that women who had induced abortions were 225 percent more likely to commit suicide, than women admitted for normal delivery. (BMJ 1997; 314:902)
• There is also the risk associated with future pregnancies after induced abortion to be considered as well.

Options presented

The suggested option four of permitting abortion on the guidance of medical practitioners as to "'compatibility' with life" is based on the premise that they are always right. This places a lot of responsibility at the feet of the medical Practitioners with regard to the definition of "fatal" and how long the child lives after he/she is born. The suggestion that two doctors sign off the abortion “in good faith” is not a sufficient safeguard as the 1967 Abortion Act has a similar provision and has been widely abused.

The statistics for abortion in England and Wales reveal that there were 185,331 in the year 2013. The largest number of abortions fell under category C which relates to the perceived mental risk to the mother's life. This high rate stands in stark contrast to abortion statistics for Northern Ireland.  2,732 abortions were on the basis of ground E (there is substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped). This statistic includes 590 abortions for Down’s Syndrome and other illnesses that can be well treated and managed with current medical advances. Such figures are extremely alarming and we fear that the altering of the law to accommodate fatal foetal abnormality could become a stepping-stone to widespread abuse of any child who may be born with a disability.

It is this trend that causes us great concern. There seems to be a mindset that if the unborn child is perceived to be impaired then abortion is a legitimate line to follow.

As mentioned this is a very emotional case and cannot fail but touch the heart of everyone who hears about it. However caution is advised for as the saying goes "hard cases make bad law". 

While the numbers of such cases are thankfully low we cannot dismiss them. These are parents facing a situation more traumatic than anything they have ever encountered. They need adequate support, care, and information about the condition of the unborn child. We believe that while a full-term pregnancy may be hard yet it gives the parents time to come to terms with the birth of the child and what to expect. They are also given the opportunity to see the little one, which helps mentally and physically in dealing with the child's passing.

We must also view this proposal of option 4 in the light of recent reports of gender selection taking place, which brings into the spotlight how legal abortions are being regulated.

So in this circumstance we do not believe that abortion should be permitted.

Questions 6 to 9 Should the law be changed to allow abortion in the case of rape of other sexual crime.

The subject of sexual crime is one that we seldom want to talk about and yet it is a very real problem in our country. The sexualisation of women within the music culture and within the media makes them the target of the most depraved of crimes in society.

Sadly this extends to the abuse of young children and the assault of anyone in such a manner is heinous.

The increase in sexual crimes is alarming and we believe it emphasises the need for stricter sentences with relation to these offences. We commend those facilities that provide counselling and help for those affected and the work that has been done to deal with human trafficking.

The proposal relating to sex crime is one that has been highlighted in the media and we do not believe that abortion is the answer. The victim needs love, care and compassion and to compound the wrong done to a victim by aborting her unborn child is not conducive to the welfare of the mother.

The main argument expressed in this instance is that it would not be right to expect a woman to carry a child for 9 months that would be a constant reminder of the sexual assault that has taken place against her and we understand that.

However is the killing of the unborn child the way to correct that crime? Two wrongs never make a right.

Rape is a crime, as is incest and yet why should the innocent unborn child be the one to suffer. The child is as much a victim as the mother; the taking of the life of the child only compounds the damage that has been done.

We have already looked at the aftermath of abortion and again the woman has just come through one trauma and is it right to inflict another upon her?

One victim made the comment that the birth of the child was the only light to come out of such a dark event. Another woman who had suffered this terrible crime made the comment that she had got over the rape but not the abortion.  Figures released by the Rape Crisis Network Ireland in 201312 showed that in 90 cases of pregnancy through rape only 17 women and girls chose to have a termination. This is one study but the figures equate to just 15% of the total. 

(http://www.rcni.ie/rape-pregnancy-and-abortion-in-ireland-rcni-release-new-figures-today/  )

It is our belief that help and comfort are best given to a mother at this time and that abortion will not bring peace, or justice to the individual or their family. 

Question 17 Should there be a right to a conscientious objection for those who participate in treatment for abortion in respect of (i) lethal foetal abnormality (ii) sexual crime. 

We do not support a change to the law. However in the case that abortion is legislated for in these circumstances it is vital that a statutory conscientious objection clause is introduced. The 1967 Abortion Act, which operates on the mainland, protects freedom of conscience.

Northern Ireland Freedom of Conscience Amendment Bill

Response of Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster to the Consultation on the Northern Ireland Freedom of Conscience Amendment Bill

Dear Sir 

I write on behalf of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster to express our support for your proposed Freedom of Conscience Amendment Bill. The Bible asserts in Romans 13:1  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Therefore it is the duty of Christians to conduct themselves according to the laws of the land. However the Bible also makes it clear that there are certain cases of conscience where allegiance to God and His Word are superior to what the government of the land might say. For example when Peter and John were forbidden to speak in the name of Christ by the Jewish Council they said “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”(Acts 4:19-20).  Also when Daniel was commanded to not to pray to God he continued to go to his room and quite publically pray to God (Daniel 6:10). The denial of freedom of conscience is a mark of totalitarianism and we have a humanistic totalitarianism being imposed on us at present. We agree with your assertion that some equality legislation, passed with the intention of protecting minorities, is having an adverse effect on those with religious belief when it comes to the provision of goods and services. We feel that the equality law as it stands at the minute is being used as a weapon against those who hold to a Biblical as opposed to a secular morality. 

We will answer the questions as set out in your consultation document.

Question 1: Do you believe that it would be appropriate to amend the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 as proposed in Appendix 1 to ensure that individuals are not put in a position where the result of this legislation they are forced to choose between acting in violation of their faith conscience by affirming same-sex relationships, or losing their livelihood?

We not only believe that it is appropriate to amend the equality act but we feel that it is a necessity. We fear that if there is not some provision for Christian conscience then large segments of employment will be closed to committed Christians.

Question 2: Is it appropriate that goods and services legislation should be applied in such a way that it narrows diversity and choice for service users who wish to access a service in the context of a faith/particular faith ethos?

It is certainly not appropriate that Evangelical Christians and other people with a strong religious morality, be driven from large segments of business by forcing them to go against conscience if they stay. Christians have historically contributed massively to the business life of the country and to the caring professions and the wedding industry. It is going to be detrimental to the welfare of the country to drive them from these areas. 

Question 3: As an example: a recent High Court Judgement means that Northern Ireland’s Catholic adoption agency will now be required to either be willing to act in violation of its faith identity by endorsing same-sex unions and facilitating gay adoption (which means surrendering their faith identity if they wish to continue as a provider), or to cease service provision. Do you think that gay rights are more important than religious rights such that the need to ensure gay couples can access adoption services from every provider should be pressed even when the consequence is to remove from Catholic couples the right to access a Catholic adoption service from anywhere? Is this the right balance or is there a better balance to be struck? 

No right should be allowed to trump another right. No right is more important than another. Not only are prospective parents being robbed of choice if such agencies close but children who would normally have been sent to such an agency are being robbed of choice.

Question 4:  How do you think the proposed legislation will impact on human rights? 

We feel that the proposed legislation would impact positively on human rights as it rebalances rights.

Question 5: How do you think the proposed legislation will impact on equality of opportunity? 

The proposed legislation would impact positively on equality of opportunity as it gives more equality for a Christian provider to preserve his or her conscience.

Question 6: Do you have any comments on the likely cost / financial implications of the proposed legislation? 

We are not in a position to make a comment about this.

Question 7 Do you have any other comments on the proposed draft legislation? Would you suggest any further amendments? 

We feel that the proposed amendment needs to be more detailed and the practicalities need to be worked out. We have no doubt that as it progresses through the legislative process and particularly with committee stage that more, “meat will be put on the bones” but it is probably open to criticism at present because opponents will be able to latch on to this haziness. 

However can we commend Mr Paul Givan MLA for his desire to redress what is an injustice to those who hold to Biblical morality. We wish him well in his desire to advance this amendment and will be praying to the end that it will succeed.

Yours faithfully,
Rev Raymond Robinson
(Convenor)
Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster Government and Morals Committee 

Press release on the Ashers Bakery case and Lord's Day Observance.

This week we see two great moral issues brought to the fore in Northern Ireland that should cause deep concern to the heart of every Bible believing Christian. 

Firstly there is the court case regarding Ashers Baking Company and secondly the Euro 2016 qualifier being played on the Lord's Day.

Firstly in regard to the court case against Ashers, the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster would like to reiterate its support for the Biblical definition of marriage as found in - Mark 10:6-8 "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh." 

We reject and oppose the efforts by some to introduce a form of "marriage" that is contrary to Scriptural teaching and will undoubtedly be detrimental to society and the family unit.
 Testimonies from those who have been brought up in the environment of same-sex "marriage" reveal that both male and female parenting, by a mother and a father is the "best and most successful family structure" within the home. 

In our adherence to the Divine institution of marriage, we wholly oppose the efforts that are being made by the so-called Equality Commission to prosecute Ashers Baking Company Ltd, for their refusal to endorse unlawful "gay marriage". We believe that they, as well as everyone else, should be permitted to conduct their lawful business enterprise in accordance with their Christian conscience.

The recent comments in the Guardian by the chairman of this publically-funded body Mr Michael Wardlow, that Christians should "either look at the law or maybe that is not the business they should be in" clearly highlight the attitude of the Commission to those opposed to "gay marriage". It would certainly seem from this statement and others made by the Commission that they have decided that sodomite partnerships should be made legal in Northern Ireland.  

Secondly in connection with the football match, we would once again voice our opposition to the decision by the IFA to permit this game to be played at Windsor Park on the Lord's Day 29th March. The fourth commandment states "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy". This match is a blatant dismissal of this command and serves only to please the television companies. It has been planned without any thought for, or consultation with, the local church community. 

Having already expressed our views to the IFA, we will be making a public protest to display our opposition to this dishonouring of the Lord's Day.

Statement re: Ashers Bakery

Dear Sir

The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster is extremely concerned at the recent decision by the Equality Commission to take Ashers Baking Company to court over their refusal to endorse a cake with the  political slogan "Support gay marriage".

As a Denomination we take our definition of marriage from the Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ said in-

Mark 10:6-8 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.  

⁷ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;  

⁸ And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

However what is at stake with regard to Ashers is not merely a case of discrimination as some would have you believe. Rather it is a determined effort by a publically funded body, the Equality Commission, to infringe the rights of a Christian business to conduct their business in accordance with their Christian faith.

Ashers Baking Company did not refuse to serve customers. Neither do they ask the religion, the sexual orientation, the ethnicity or political views of any customer. What they did refuse to do was endorse a cake with a controversial slogan at variance with their Christian beliefs. 

In accordance with those same Christian beliefs they pay their taxes, run their business in an open and lawful manner, and treat their employees with dignity and respect. Is this not the sort of business we want?

The Equality Commission stated on 28th April 2014 prior to the Assembly debate-

“The Commission supports the introduction of legislation to permit same-sex marriage with sufficient safeguards so that religious organizations and their representatives who do not wish to marry same-sex couples cannot be compelled to do so."

Same-sex "marriage" has been rejected by the Northern Ireland Assembly on three occasions, yet this tax-payer funded body seems intent on silencing opposition to that which is not lawful in the land. 

Do they not respect the views of the NI assembly? 

Are they permitted to protect that which is outside of the law in Northern Ireland while at the same time persecuting a law-abiding family run business adhering to their Christian principles. 

What would the Equality Commission think of being taken to court for promoting same sex "marriage"?  We know they would be indignant! However they are swift to act against Christians,  who, according to their conscience, cannot participate in the promotion of same sex "marriage"!  

It would seem from this statement, and the actions of the Equality Commission, that religious organisations and individuals are not permitted to act in accordance with their own conscience even when legislation in the Province on this issue supports them.

We would ask the Equality Commission to reconsider this decision and explain exactly what rights a business owner has in providing public services, especially when asked to do that which is contrary to their conscience.

Sincerely

Government and Morals Committee of the 

Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster