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UK
Muslim group backs Christian opposition to gay adoption rules
26 Jan 2007- The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)
has expressed its full support to the principled stand taken by
Christian leaders opposed to new regulations on the adoption of children
by homosexuals.
"The right to practice one's faith, or the freedom to
have no belief, is a cornerstone of our society as is the right of all
to live free from unfair discrimination and harassment," the MCB said.
Earlier this week, the Church of England backed the
Catholic Church in its bid to be exempt from a new anti-discrimination
regulation, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams saying the
rights of conscience cannot be subject to laws.
The MCB, the UK's leading Muslim umbrella group
embracing over 400 affiliated national and regional organizations, said
that while it supported anti-discrimination laws, homosexuality is
forbidden in Islam.
"As Muslims we are obliged to uphold the moral
standards and codes of conduct dictated by our faith," MCB secretary
general Abdul Bari said.
Bari urged the government to review its position in
arguing that the new Sexual Orientation Regulations can have no
exemptions, saying that the argument is "absurd and inconsistent with
domestic as well as international legal precedents."
The regulations need to take full account of the UK's multifaith,
multicultural and multiethnic society and, wherever appropriate, make
accommodation to accord with differing beliefs and values, he said.
The regulations, which outlaw discrimination in the
provision of goods, facilities and services on the basis of sexual
orientation, is due to come into effect in England and Wales under the
new Equality Act in April.
Catholic leaders, supported by the Church of England,
have already said that its teachings prevent its agencies placing
children with homosexuals and they will have to close if bound by the
rules.
The row is also reported to have split the British
cabinet, including ministers who are Catholic. Even Prime Minister Tony
Blair is also said to be faced with a dilemma because his wife is
Catholic.
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