Four cases brought by Christians began in the European Court of Human Rights yesterday, which could have ramifications for British employers if they are successful.
Two of the women, are arguing for the right to wear a cross at work, two others are contesting a sacking and disciplinary action respectively after they both refused to conduct their normal work practices with homosexuals.
All the cases have the backing of Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, who argues that the actions of their employers contravened articles nine and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibit religious discrimination and allow “freedom of thought, conscience and religion”.
However, Government lawyers are saying that Christians should leave their religious beliefs at home or accept that a personal expression of faith at work, such as wearing a cross, means that they might have to resign and get another job. The lawyers also told the court that wearing a cross is not a “generally recognised” act of Christian worship and is not required by scripture.
A QC from one of the cases has attacked the government’s argument as “startling” because it appeared to suggest that an employer can discriminate against someone on religious grounds, such as anti-Semitism, as long as the employee was able to leave their job and find another one elsewhere.
Whilst one of the lawyers, said: “The implications go far beyond the individuals. In the United Kingdom, religious people who have followed their convictions in the workplace in the face of overly vague discrimination laws have been sacked, demoted or disciplined.
Among them have been doctors, magistrates, teachers, foster parents, therapists and many others. In my respectful submission, the situation for religious liberty in Britain is now critical,” he said