UK Looks At Removing Christianity From Territorial Constitutions
In a story from The MailOnline, a group of British MPs is pushing to remove references to Christianty from the constitutions of its territories.
For example, the constitution of the Cayman Islands makes the assertion in its preamble that it is a "God-fearing country based on traditional Christian values, tolerant of other religions and beliefs."
According to the story:
"...the Foreign Affairs Committee is pressing for the change amid claims that references to traditional Christian morality could undermine gay rights in the overseas territories."
...
The move has prompted the Bishop of Winchester to send a strongly worded letter to the committee and Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
The bishop said that references to Christianity in the preambles of the constitutions of territories over which Britain still has control should have no impact on the human rights of people living there.
...
Tory MP and former Minister Ann Widdecombe added: "As far as I am concerned, it is proof positive that this Government is anti-Christian. It is up to places like these to make their own decisions. There is no compelling reason for the Government to go down to this level of detail."
For example, the constitution of the Cayman Islands makes the assertion in its preamble that it is a "God-fearing country based on traditional Christian values, tolerant of other religions and beliefs."
According to the story:
"...the Foreign Affairs Committee is pressing for the change amid claims that references to traditional Christian morality could undermine gay rights in the overseas territories."
...
The move has prompted the Bishop of Winchester to send a strongly worded letter to the committee and Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
The bishop said that references to Christianity in the preambles of the constitutions of territories over which Britain still has control should have no impact on the human rights of people living there.
...
Tory MP and former Minister Ann Widdecombe added: "As far as I am concerned, it is proof positive that this Government is anti-Christian. It is up to places like these to make their own decisions. There is no compelling reason for the Government to go down to this level of detail."
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Comment by Steven Knapp on October 18, 2009 at 10:18pm -
Yeah, says the people that would love more than anything for their religion to take over the world... again. It's funny when what was the most influential and pervasive belief system in the world is shrunk down to minuscule proportions, the people who practice those beliefs claim persecution. What about the persecution during the reign of the Catholic church, screams that fell on deaf ears? The tables have turned and secular society isn't putting up with religious bullshit. The only reason they seem "anti-Christian" is because Christianity was what once ruled most nations and so references to Islam and other religions aren't exactly prevalent.
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Comment by Dave G on October 18, 2009 at 10:44pm -
If it is up to them to decide, then why have the clause in there at all? Unless they are trying to influence them, of course.
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