Issue 1 institute November 2001

UpdateThe free UK-wide newsletter of The Christian Institute Plans to ban smacking in Scotland and Protect yourself from the new EU employment directive

Gay rights teachers code delayed in England defending the

family November 2001 Update 1 WELCOME

Updateinstitute inside Defending the family

Local success Welcome to the first edition of Update. The aim Church minister wins local sex education of this magazine is to let campaign...p5 you – our supporters – know what The Christian Institute has been working Red-light zone on, and to encourage you in your own efforts to be Residents force removal of “tolerance zone”...p7 salt and light in this world. At the moment there is, in particular, a great need Harm reduction for Christians to defend Mike Judge, marriage and the family. Publications Manager The dangers of one of the most damaging Explicit sex education, approaches to modern moral issues ...p8 plans to ban smacking, and genuine concern to calls for gay marriage and maintain this grace. gay adoption are all Of course, marriage and uncovered in this edition the family are more than Employment law of Update. These issues just beneficial, they are How you can prepare yourself for the effects of rewrite the basis of inextricable linked to the the EU employment directive ...p9 marriage and the family. most basic morality: But marriage and the Marriage for one man and family are not arbitrary one woman is the only constructs. They do not context for sexual activity; Smacking changes need rewriting. They were parents have a moral duty Plans to ban smacking in Scotland increases created by God for the to raise their children with pressure for change in the rest of the UK ...p11 benefit of man. It should be loving discipline; and no surprise therefore to children should honour find research showing their father and mother. married families are by far As Christians with a Sex shop blocked the best for children and legitimate voice in a A Christian Institute supporter thwarts plans for a adults alike. democracy we cannot be sex shop in Worthing ...p13 The Government rightly silent when public policy or recognises that marriage is our Government “the surest foundation for encourages behaviour raising children”. So, it is which is not only harmful Gay marriage entirely right for public but also plain wrong. With Legitimising homosexual ‘partnerships’ ...p14 policy to promote marriage calm and courageous and the family. Marriage words, Christians – young should be privileged in law and old – must speak out. and public policy. People may not listen. Whether people believe They may go their own in God or not, society way. But whether battles nevertheless benefits from are won or lost, it is the married family. This is important that there is a The Christian Institute, 26 Jesmond Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PQ. par t of God’s common witness to the Truth. Our Tel 0191 281 5664 Fax. 0191 281 4272 grace to all people. For the The Christian Institute is a company limited by guarantee and a charity registered concern is to be salt and for the promotion of the Christian faith throughout the . sake of our neighbour, light. We must defend the Registered charity No. 100 4774. Christians should have a family.

2 Update November 2001 BOOK REVIEWS aroundthenation Outstanding Books Christians throughout the Christian teachers, UK have had the governors and parents opportunity to hear about about important issues in Responding the work of The Christian education. People in Cardiff, Institute first hand. Bath, Coventry, Chessington to the culture In the last few months and Keswick came to hear staff at the Institute have practical advice on how to of death be salt and light in their travelled throughout A primer of bioethical Scotland, Wales, Northern local schools and issues Ireland and England to communities. By John R Ling encourage local supporters General meetings, giving Day One Publications information about the as they take a stand for ISBN 1 903087 26-0 Christian values where they Institute’s work and are. encouraging local This excellent book There has been an Christians have taken place provides a good extensive series of in Gorran Haven, Matters of Life introduction to many of Birmingham, Bromley, and meetings around Scotland the complicated Liverpool. drawing attention to the and Death bioethical issues that we Institute’s sex education The Institute has also By John Wyatt are faced with in the campaign. People in Perth, been represented at Inter-varsity Press world today. Edinburgh, Inverness, conferences in Belfast, ISBN 0-85111-588-8 John Ling starts by Keswick, Swanwick and at Dundee, Motherwell, laying out a strong the Christian Resources Blairgowrie, Falkirk and This outstanding book biblical framework and Kirkcaldy have heard the Exhibition in Birmingham. approaches the ethical goes on to look in detail story behind the campaign issues surrounding the at such important issues and have had a chance to start and the end of life as abortion, IVF, embryo see for themselves the from a solid Biblical, yet experiments, cloning, actual sex education deeply personal genetic engineering, teaching materials meetings perspective. euthanasia and controversially Wyatt, a leading surrogac y. recommended by the far & neonatal paediatrician in The book provides a Scottish Executive. The the UK, examines biblical clear Christian analysis of Institute has also wide perspectives on recent trends in medicine held a number of ‘humanness’ and clearly and science. It is both specialist lays out the details of the informative and practical, education ethical dilemmas urging us to take action meetings, currently facing the against the ever-growing informing medical profession. ‘culture of death’. This is not, however, a book of dry philoso- phical argument. The complexity and pain of the issues are not dodged. In the words of Wyatt: ‘We must wrestle with these ethical dilemmas not with anger, hatred or judgment in our voices, but with tears in our eyes. For empathy is the way of Christ’.

These books can be ordered from The Christian Institute

November 2001 Update 3 SEX EDUCATION

Abstinence sex education almost adopted in Cornwall

The abstinence approach County Council should Community Standards precious – they are not to sex education continues adopt an abstinence Association and Christian there to be exploited.” to gain ground. programme was defeated Institute supporter, After the debate, Miss A. As it becomes more and by 28 votes to 24 - a proposed the motion. Whitaker, Honorary more obvious that the margin of only 4 votes. She said: “The message Secretary of the prevailing ‘safer sex’ The amendment to the of the last 25 years has Community Standards message is fundamentally Council’s Teenage failed. No doubt many Association, said she was flawed, local people in Pregnancy Strategy also people have acted in good very pleased with the Cornwall almost pulled off aimed to prevent the faith, but we have to accept length and seriousness of a remarkable victory. morning-after pill from the fact that it has the debate and that the With the public gallery being given out in schools. failed…Our young people Council had agreed to hold packed by 140 supporters, a Cllr. Mrs. Armorel Carlyon, are our future – and that of a forum on abstinence motion that Cornwall Chairman of Cornwall’s our country. They are education at a later date.

Proposed Welsh circular does not protect children’s innocence

In Wales the National schools to teach sex policies. the circular Assembly recently sought education, when the law This draft circular would itself is lukewarm comments on a draft of its does not require them to fail children. It epitomises new sex education circular. do so.2 an approach to sex about marriage The consultation The circular is incon- education which does not finished at the end of sistent: for example, it safeguard children’s September: The Christian regularly mentions that innocence. Christians Institute responded, as did parents should be con- should pray not only for a many supporters in Wales. sulted, but then questions change of circular, but also The draft circular is whether religious parents for a change of heart. concerning in several ways. can be relied upon to teach For example, although the their children the facts of 1 Education Act 1996, Section law states that the life.3 403 (1A) and Draft “Sex and Relationships Guidance for importance of marriage Thankfully both the law Scho ols”, National Assembly should be taught in sex and the national curric- of Wales, 2001, page 3 education, the circular itself ulum are significantly 2 Ibid, page 7 is lukewarm about better than the circular. Also 3 Ibid, paragraphs 1.27 and marriage.1 The Assembly individual schools decide 1.28 also pressurizes primary their own sex education

4 Update November 2001 SEX EDUCATION

Third local council bans dangerous health education materials

A Christian Institute materials are not used in and community groups, I Revd. Iain Murdoch supporter in North their schools. with others urged MSPs to Lanarkshire has succeeded East Renfrewshire take action and I started to succeeded in in getting his local council Council and The Western organise a petition. getting the to ban explicit sex and Isles Council took measures “While that was going on drugs education materials. to ban resources after we concentrated on getting materials banned Revd. Iain Murdoch from receiving letters and the materials banned in Wishaw launched a local protests from Christian North Lanarkshire. Over a in North campaign to have the Institute supporters. period of five months we Lanarkshire materials banned after he Now those councils have pressed councillors and was shown materials by the been joined by North officials. Eventually they Institute. Lanarkshire, which has agreed to ban the North Lanarkshire has banned The Primary School irresponsible sex and drugs become the third local Sex and Relationships teaching materials.” How this story council to ban the materials, Education Pack, The Primary Revd. Murdoch has been which are backed by the School Drugs Pack, Tak ing running a petition to call on affects the rest Scottish Executive. Drugs Seriously, Taking Sex the Scottish Parliament to In March the Institute Ser iously, and the Channel 4 urge the Scottish Executive of the UK revealed that these sex education series, Living to withdraw the list and to materials were being and Growing. ensure that all teaching n The worst of these sex recommended by the Revd. Murdoch, from materials comply with the and drugs education Executive in new Health Wishaw, said: “When The statutory guidelines. materials are produced Education Guidelines. Christian Institute showed The petition also says in England and are The sex education me the materials I was “we consider that the use of available to schools materials include appalled. I had to do such materials in the throughout the UK homosexual role-play, something.” classroom would be n It shows the kind of buying condoms for “I and Monsignor irresponsible and lessons that may be ‘homework’, and lessons Conway, my local Roman inappropriate, and used if is which discuss sado- Catholic colleague, went to significantly extend the repealed in England and masochism, multiple see my local MSP Jack boundaries of what is seen Wales partners and anal McConnell – who is also the as normal or morally intercourse. Education Minister – and acceptable in the use of n It shows what can be One of the drugs packs showed him some of the illegal drugs and in sexual achieved if Christian tells teachers to “resist” classroom materials. activity.” people are willing to act! teaching from an anti-drugs “Mr McConnell said he He has collected perspective. Another would be appalled if thousands of signatures includes role-playing a drug teachers use such material, and hopes to present his dealer and teaches that but subsequently he did petition to the Scottish crack cocaine is not not take any action to Parliament soon. necessarily addictive. withdraw the list, to express A spokesman for North The Christian Institute his public disapproval, or to Lanarkshire council said: has been pressurising the give any assurance that “because of the adverse Executive to withdraw these similarly inappropriate publicity attracted by some materials from the list of materials would not be of the materials, we decided recommended resources. recommended in the to take the additional step And at a local level, the future.” to make double sure that Institute has been urging “After sharing concerns nothing offensive would supporters to make sure the with other local churches appear in the classroom.”

Revd. Iain Murdoch, Picture by Jim Donnelly courtesy Wishaw Press November 2001 Update 5 PROSTITUTION

In the 1800s, Josephine Butler campaigned against legalised prostitution and succeeded in raising the age of consent to 16 Victorian victory over state-regulated prostitution

One woman’s Edinburgh’s recent failed The authorities became forcible examinations. attempt to regulate a ‘safe’ seriously alarmed. In 1863 Josephine Butler held courage against prostitute zone in the city the Secretary of State for huge public meetings up the Army, the was not the first such War suggested the and down the land in a scheme to fail. hygienic control of campaign to repeal the Navy, the In the 1800s, girls as prostitutes as the solution. Contagious Diseases Acts. young as 12 were being The 1864 Contagious There was tremendous Government sold into prostitution. For Diseases Act in effect opposition from the and powerful 20 years, prostitution was proposed the state brothel owners. Mobs were legally regulated by the regulation of Prostitution stirred up to give violent brothel keepers state in ports and garrison in 11 ports and garrison opposition even breaking towns around the UK. towns. Other Acts in 1866 up prayer meetings called The extraordinary and 1869 increased the to pray for the campaign. legislation was an attempt number of towns. In the first year of the to deal with the huge Under the legislation campaign alone Josephine numbers of service men in any women in these towns Butler travelled 3,700 miles the British Armed Forces who were suspected of and organised 99 public who were going down being prostitutes were meetings. with venereal disease. subjected to forced medical Eventually the age of The Lancet examination and consent was raised to 16 reported in 1858 treatment. and in 1883 the Contagious that, at any one Christian campaigner, Diseases Acts were time, a fifth of Josephine Butler, was suspended. the army was in alarmed that the nation hospital was publicly tolerating 1 Quoted in Fisher, Trevor, suffering from prostitution and that many Scandal : The Sexual Politics venereal innocent women were of Late Victorian Britain, Allan Sutton Publishing, disease.1 being subjected to the 1995, page 13 JosephineButler n Born Josephine Grey in 1828 in Northumberland, the seventh child of John and Hannah Grey. n Married George Butler in 1852. n Successfully campaigned against State-regulated prostitution. n Succeeded in raising the age of consent for sexual intercourse from 12 to 16 – the same law that remains today. n Arranged over 900 public meetings, and published 520 books and pamphlets on prostitution. n Organised well over 17,000 petitions with over 2 million signatures collected.

6 Update November 2001 PROSTITUTION

The dangers of harm reduction Why this approach to many moral issues is so flawed ...next page

We’ve had enough: Families protest against the tolerance of vice on their doorstep Residents win battle to remove ‘prostitute zone’ from their streets

Residents in a suburb of that they proposed the But Lothian and Borders “They took clients Edinburgh have succeeded provision of a bus service Police have had to give in in removing a ‘prostitute to transport the prostitutes to local pressure. into our zone’ from their area. from a drop in centre near Chief Supt Pat Byrne backyards to The ‘tolerance zone’ in to the original ‘tolerance said, “We police by consent Leith had to be moved zone’ to the new area. They and this trial was not have sex; they because the regeneration hoped that this would acceptable to the society of the area had led to an prevent the prostitutes we represent – therefore left used increase in residential walking through the experiment will end.” condoms properties and an influx of residential areas.2 But local “We will be telling the new families. residents would not accept girls that after November wherever they For over a decade police this ‘compromise’. 30 it will no longer be went” in Edinburgh have been A local civil servant said acceptable and if we have operating a scheme that the prostitutes would be not found an alternative allows prostitutes to work “going to a zone location by then we will ‘safely’ in a specified ‘zone’. completely surrounded by have to do what we are But pressure from the residential areas. It might charged to do and that is local residents forced them be fine on paper, but in police society.” 5 to rethink this policy in practice it just doesn’t The Chief their area. work”.3 Superintendent’s belief in Residents complained A spokesman for policing ‘by consent’ is a that prostitutes “took Lothian and Borders Police cause for concern because clients into our backyard to said that they had “a it suggests that the have sex; they left used pragmatic approach to changeable opinion of a condoms wherever they Street Prostitution”. community can have more went; … they injected “We do not condone it, force than the law itself. drugs in full view of the because it puts women at street; men looking for risk and can encourage 1 Letter from Alex Gordon, th prostitutes propositioned crime and anti-social The Herald, 28 August 2001 female residents”. 1 behaviour. We would prefer 2 Edinburgh Evening News, Police attempted to it did not exist, but it does August 24th 2001 4 switch the ‘zone’ to a non- and it will not go away”. 3 Edinburgh Evening News, residential area, however Rather than enforce the August 24th 2001 there was concern it would laws against prostitution 4 The O bserver, 26th August be impossible to prevent they allow it to take place 2001 the ‘tolerance zone’ spilling in a monitored area in an 5 The Scotsman, 31st August over to residential areas. attempt to minimise other 2001 The police were so criminal activity that often committed to the project takes place alongside it.

November 2001 Update 7 HARM REDUCTION

Why Christians must speak out against this damaging philosophy The dangers of ‘harm reduction’

‘Harm Turning a blind eye to situation and protect the travelling from other cities mainstream morality in women. to the zone and the police reduction’ the hope of promoting Christians must be were just caught between increases the safety is the well- ready to answer the a rock and a hard place.” intentioned but flawed challenge of “harm The tolerance of very harm it thinking which lies behind reduction” approaches to prostitution, under-age seeks to what is called “harm modern moral issues. sex, or drug use creates an reduce reduction”. The fact is, harm atmosphere which Harm reduction is a reduction increases the encourages more of these damage-limitation very harm that it seeks to unsafe activities. approach which has been reduce. All these things are adopted in many The “safer sex” illegal and harmful to controversial areas. message has failed to society, yet in some areas It has been the bring about the promised Councils and the police dominant philosophy of reduction in teenage have given up. sex education for many pregnancies, which There will always be a years, and a harm continue to stay at an minority who engage in reduction approach was alarmingly high level. these activities, but we used to justify a “tolerance New diagnoses of must not put at risk the zone” for prostitution in many sexually transmitted many in a misguided Edinburgh. diseases have increased1 attempt to protect the The Christian Institute and teenage abortion few. has now uncovered drugs rates have gone through Public disapproval of education materials which the roof.2 anti-social activities is a teach children safer ways Local residents who very strong restraining to use drugs rather than lived in the Edinburgh influence on most people. telling them to avoid prostitute zone said that Christians must work to drugs altogether. prostitutes “took clients promote this public “A hygienic Because harm into our backyard to have opinion and say “no” to reduction seeks to sex; they left used harm reduction. supply” of promote safety, it can condoms wherever they have a very human face: went; … they injected 1 http://www.phls.co.uk/ facts/STI/sti_uk_data.htm as prostitutes When condoms are given drugs in full view of the at 18 October 2001 Read how one out to kids, experts say it is street; men looking for 2 Abortion Statistics Series A to protect children from prostitutes propositioned B nos 24 and 26, ONS Christian campaigner unwanted pregnancy and female residents”. 3 3 Letter from Alex Gordon, faced the same ‘harm sexually transmitted Pat Attridge, the local The Herald, 28 August 2001 reduction’ disease. Councillor in Edinburgh, arguments... When police tolerate supported the prostitute and won! (see p6) prostitution, they say it zone but admitted: helps them to control the “prostitutes were

8 Update November 2001 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Changes to employment law will affect Christian groups

The absolute freedom of all ministers and RE teachers in Blunkett recently suggested ‘Wording is crucial’ religious groups to employ a religious school. that this may be brought only believing staff is to be Changes were made to forward. as UK implements curtailed by the UK the directive to widen the Over the next year it will European Government following its exceptions following huge become clear what level of agreement to a new EU pressure from The Christian protection the Government employment employment directive. Institute and others. Some intends to give to religious directive Under the directive, 12,000 letters were received bodies. which was signed in by the Government. In the meantime, The October 2000, UK The new wording offers Christian Institute is seeking employment law must be more protection. However, to help Christians prepare amended to forbid any the impact on religious themselves to avoid being form of discrimination on organisations depends on successfully sued under the the grounds of religion or exactly how the new law. sexual orientation. Government implements A Christian organisation When the Government the directive. which wants to employ a said it would sign up to a The Department for Christian Managing Director new EU employment Trade and Industry recently will first of all have to prove directive, The Christian asked The Christian that it is an organisation Institute said it represented Institute to take part in “based on religion or belief”. a serious threat to religious consultations on Then it will need to liberties across Europe. implementation. prove that believing in that The directive may result They said the Institute religion is a “genuine, in Churches and Christian had played a ‘significant’ legitimate and justified organisations being forced role in discussions occupational requirement” to employ atheists or surrounding the directive. of that particular post. practising homosexuals. Although the If it cannot do this to the Under the original Government has until satisfaction of an wording, the only jobs that December 2003 to employment tribunal it will could definitely be reserved implement the directive, the be in trouble. for Christians were church Home Secretary David

How you can prepare for the new employment law

What can Christian will have to be very clear deeds and other founding faith. If a job includes organisations do to and open about their documents. Incorporating a activities such as prayer or prepare for the directive? Christian basis and about doctrinal basis is a good evangelism this must be To increase their chances what they expect of staff in idea. set out. They must also of resisting a legal terms of belief and Employment contracts state what forms of challenge under the new conduct. and staff policies must immorality may result in employment law, churches These matters should be make clear that staff are disciplinary proceedings or and Christian organisations explicitly dealt with in trust required to live out the dismissal.

November 2001 Update 9 DRUGS

Institute tells Select Committee: ‘don’t go soft on drugs’

Institute The Christian Institute has in drug education. and supply of drugs, and sent a submission to the He warns that the harm will also remove the Director, Colin Home Affairs Select reduction approach, deterrent and stigma that Hart, is concerned Committee on drugs. increasingly dominant in currently stops many The committee is general drug education, young people from taking with the move evaluating the was invented for use with up drugs. Government’s drug policy drug addicts, and is not The Institute raised away from a and the possible effects suitable in the classroom or concern that cannabis preventative and merits of liberalising similar situations where the related deaths on the road existing drug laws. majority of the audience are already a serious emphasis. Institute Director, Colin are not drug users. problem. It will be made Hart, is concerned with the This approach also worse with liberalisation – move away from a contradicts the as will drug related crime, preventative emphasis. Government’s successful with the higher demand In the Institute’s approach to stopping for drugs resulting in more Copies of The submission he argued that people smoking, which is theft. Christian Institute’s the government’s drug completely preventative. The Select Committee submission on policy has been The Institute says that plans to publish its report drugs are available. undermined by the use of decriminalisation will in the new year. harm reduction approaches increase the demand for

Co-ordinated campaign to legalise cannabis

Politicians are facing succeed it adds growing contender Michael Portillo should be increasing pressure to momentum to calls to followed this by stating decriminalised. 3 legalise cannabis. change existing laws on that the advocates of The campaign to cannabis, as does the legalisation had “made 1 Lilley, P Common Sense on legalise the drug will setting up of the select their case” 2. Cannabis: Social Market Foundation: July 2001, continue in parliament committee. Senior MP’s from all page 6 this autumn with the The campaign to parties, including the 2 The Scotsman, 19 July 2001 second reading of a legalise cannabis was Home Office Minister 3 Church of England Board for Private Members Bill and a stepped up significantly in David Blunkett, have Social Responsibility, Submission to the House of major inquiry by the high- the summer after Peter expressed support for a Commons Home Affairs powered Home Office Lilley, the former deputy debate. Committee Inquiry into The Select Committee into the leader of the Conservative In September, the Government’s drug policy: is

possible effects of party claimed “the present Church of England’s Board it working? 24 September 2001. changes to the law. law is unenforceable and for Social Responsibility, While the Private indefensible” 1. argued that the Members Bill is unlikely to The then leadership possession of cannabis

10 Update November 2001 SMACKING

The smacking proposals for Scotland and Northern Ireland:

Scottish Parents could face prison for smacking their The Northern Ireland Executive plans to change the laws children under new proposals from the Scottish Executive on smacking, and has released a consultation with options The proposals, which could become law next year include: including: n A ban on smacking children under three n A complete ban on smacking n A ban on the use of implements (e.g. wooden spoon) on n A checklist to govern when parents may smack children of any age n Statutory children’s rights2 n A ban on smacking by childminders1

1 Scottish Executive Press Release: No smacking rule for children 2 Northern Ireland Office of Law Reform: Physical punishment in under three: 06/09/01 the home: September 2001 Scottish parents could risk jail for smacking their children

Parents in Scotland could At present, UK law protection, with courts able These measures be prosecuted for permits parents to smack to distinguish between smacking their children on the grounds of ‘reasonable chastisement’ could have under proposals from the ‘reasonable chastisement’, and abuse.3 Scottish Executive. but anti-smacking Public opinion supports severe effects on The proposals, which campaigners claim this smacking, with 90% of ordinary loving may become law by the clause needs “clarifying”. parents using physical end of next year, include Groups like Save the discipline.4 families. bans on smacking children Children demand an under three, on using outright ban on all 1 Save the Children response implements such as a smacking.1 to The Physical Punishment wooden spoon and on Most parents, on the of Children in Scotland: A Consultation’, February smacking by childminders. other hand, believe proper 2001, the Scottish The Northern Ireland and effective discipline is Executive, Response 150 Executive has also released an act of love, and the vast 2 1998 Office For National a consultation on majority believe that this Statistics Survey, If smacking is smacking, with options includes physical reproduced in Annex A of criminalised in including a ban on all punishment.2 Protecting Children, smacking and introducing On legal grounds, Supporting Parents – A Scotland, statutory children’s rights. groups such as the Law Consultation Document on These measures could Society of Scotland argue the Physical Punishment of pressure will be Children, Department of have severe effects on that existing legislation Health, January 2000 increased to ordinary loving families. provides sufficient child 3 The Scottish Law Society, The Physical Punishment of ban it in the Our briefing on physical discipline, Locking up Children (Op cit), Response Parents, included an analysis of these Scottish 212 rest of the 4 proposals when they were published for 1998 Office for National Statistics Survey, Op cit United consultation. Copies of Locking up Parents are available from The Christian Institute Kingdom

November 2001 Update 11 PORNOGRAPHY

Young Lib Dems want to ease porn laws

The Young Liberal They argued that the natural prude ought to be a more lenient and mature Democrats tabled a motion law allows 16 year olds to more concerned about approach to the tolerable for debate at the recent engage in heterosexual that.”1 aspects of pornography.”3 national conference of the and homosexual activity Lembit Opik, spokesman Despite this support for Liberal Democrat party but does not allow them to for youth affairs said: the policy, the motion was calling for an easing of the view explicit pornography “Nobody has come up with withdrawn at the last pornography laws. depicting such activity. evidence of harm from moment because of the They want an end to the The policy also enjoys hard-core porn.”2 terrorist outrages in the US. censorship of material the support of leading Mark Oaten, party depicting consensual Liberal Democrats. Simon chairman, said: “Internet 1 The Sunday Times, 9 sexual activity between Hughes, home affairs and child pornography are September 2001 2 adults and a reduction in spokesman, said: “The big out of control and growing. Ibid 3 , 18 August the cost of sex shop danger is not sex on the We can tackle those areas 2001 licences. screen, it is violence. The more effectively if we take

Locals protest against plans for a sex shop in Camborne

The Council plans Councillors, churchmen, demonstration. Cornwall’s objections declared invalid youth leaders and parents Community Standards because they did not to decide on have formed a formidable Association is also address the relevant the application in alliance against an involved. statutory grounds. Peter’s application for a licensed Peter Malindine, a preparation made sure his November sex shop in Camborne, Christian Institute letter counted. Cornwall. supporter, is doing his part Peter has also been The The application too. A former civil servant, Christian Institute’s eyes concerns shop-front he read about our own and ears, taking photos of premises which are close to licensing battles against the location and mapping churches, schools and the Xsensual sex show and it out for us, as well as youth centres as well as a contacted us for details of keeping us supplied with high street shopping area. the relevant laws. local press cuttings. Camborne Town He then wrote to Kerrier His assistance enabled Councillor, Shirley Collings, District Council, setting out us to lodge our own is the prime mover behind the arguments against objection. the campaign, organising granting a licence for the Kerrier District Council petitioning, letter-writing, sex shop. plans to decide on the public meetings and even a Unfortunately, many application in November. small protest others who wrote had their

CONCERNED: Peter Malindine (left) contacted The Christian Institute for help

12 Update November 2001 PORNOGRAPHY

Success! Local campaign succeeds in getting council to refuse licence Institute supporter wins local battle to block sex shop

A Christian Institute papers to urge people to which was photographed To the delight supporter has succeeded in make their views known to and published in the local blocking moves to license a the council. papers. of locals, the sex shop in Worthing. Together with his wife By the time of the Council Steve Stevens, a veteran Kay he produced a petition hearing in June the Council Christian campaigner, won form and gave out a had received close to a refused the the battle to persuade the hundred copies at a special thousand petition local Council to refuse a inter-church prayer meeting, signatures and many letters application licence. encouraging people to of opposition from nearby A local journalist alerted make extra copies for use in shops and residents. Mr Stevens in April of this their own churches and To the delight of locals, year to an application for a neighbourhoods. the Council refused the licensed sex shop in his The Council had been application. The decision home town of Worthing. asking occupiers of made front page news in Mr Stevens contacted premises very close to the the local paper. The Christian Institute, who proposed sex shop for their Although pleased with sent him information on comments. the outcome in this case, Mr the legal grounds for a Mr Stevens was not Stevens remains concerned council to refuse a sex shop satisfied with this very small that other applications for licence. circle. He visited most of the sex shops are going on The Christian Institute nearby shops taking copies throughout the country was also able to share its of the council’s letter and and is continuing his experience of successfully the petition. He was campaign to alert Christians blocking a sex shop licence delighted with the positive to the need to respond. in Cardiff. response. As Mr Stevens is keen on Mr Stevens wrote to the He also put together a saying, “Evil triumphs when Mr Stevens (left) and council addressing the protest display with “Ban good men do nothing.” his wife Kay visit Mary statutory grounds for Sex Shops” in large letters, Whitehouse refusing a licence contained in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. The Act states that a licence should not be granted if it would be inappropriate, having regard to the “character of the relevant locality” or “the use to which any premises in the vicinity are put”. The proposed sex shop was in a residential area and near to a children’s dance school. Mr Stevens made use of the letters pages in the local

November 2001 Update 13 HOMOSEXUAL

Why Christians must oppose calls for homosexual marriage

To equate There is huge pressure on partnerships and The Bible is clear that the Government to legalise heterosexual marriage is heterosexual marriage is homosexual ‘ga y marriage’. ridiculous because they are the only context for sexual partnerships and Homosexual pressure simply not the same. relationships. groups plan to use the Project SIGMA, the Both the Old Testament heterosexual Human Rights Act to leading pro-gay research and the New Testament challenge existing laws1. group in the UK, stated view adultery, sex before marriage is The Liberal Democrats that: “There is a widespread marriage and homosexual ridiculous are committed to legalising expectation among gay activity as morally wrong. homosexual ‘civil men that relationships will (E.g. 1 Corinthians 6:9). because they are partnerships’. not be monogamous since It is vital that Christians simply not the The introduction of the this is widely seen as a oppose the move towards Partnerships means of combining the ‘ga y marriage’. We must same. Register has led to calls for security of a long term speak up for what is right further ‘equality’ measures. commitment with the in order to protect the vital There has also been a excitement of new role of marriage in our Ten Minute Rule Bill calling encounters.”2 society. for gay marriage. At the Gay marriage equates time this Update went to homosexual liaisons with 1 The Sunday Telegraph, 24 press, the Bill was due to be holy matrimony. September 2000 debated in the Commons. Homosexual partnership 2 Weatherburn, P et al The Marriage enjoys a rights do not extend the Sexual Lifestyles of gay and bisexual men in England privileged status in law benefit of marriage; they and Wales, HMSO, 1992, because of the unique demolish a principle at the Page 12 social benefits it offers. It is heart of family life. 3 See Morgan, P and Lawton, C based on the different but All of the world’s major (eds), Ethical Issues in Six complementary natures of religions have consistently Religious Traditions, men and women. viewed homosexual Edinburgh University Press, To equate homosexual practice as morally wrong.3 1996 London’s partnership register

Since September it has step towards avoiding does, gay rights groups see relationships as equal to been possible for problems arising over it as major progress in their marriage is growing. homosexual couples in housing, taxation, campaign for full ‘gay London to register their inheritance rights and marriage’. 1 ‘London Partnerships relationships in Ken family law.’1 Other towns have now R egister, Intr oduction’. Can Livingstone’s ‘London Although it is openly announced plans to run be viewed at http:// Partnerships Register’. admitted that registration similar schemes, and the www.london.gov.uk/mayor/ partnerships/ The Greater London does not give couples the pressure on society to introduction.htm Authority described it as ‘a same rights as marriage accept homosexual

14 Update November 2001 HOMOSEXUAL

Care homes must help children develop their “sexual orientation” ...see next page

Children aren’t trophies: Gay rights groups may hijack adoption Bill Institute set to publish new book as pressure mounts for gay adoption

Children could be legally Supporters of gay parenting by a married Gay rights adopted by unmarried adoption rely on social couple. homosexual and science studies which n Are used over and over campaigners heterosexual couples if claim homosexual again, published in hope that British Agencies for parenting does children different forms, and Adoption and Fostering no harm. presented as ‘new changing the law (BAAF) and gay rights But Patricia Morgan’s research’. campaigners succeed in book will expose the n Focus on lesbians. in this way will changing the law. massive flaws in these Studies of the parenting ‘normalise’ A new adoption Bill is studies. Some common by gay men are expected to come before findings are that the ‘pro- conspicuous by their homosexual Parliament this year. The gay’ studies: absence. There are so relationships. Government has said that few male homosexual it has no plans to n Are purely anecdotal, parents that it is introduce unmarried using personal virtually impossible to couple adoption into the testimonies from just a find enough who are Bill, but back-benchers handful of people. willing to take part in could have other ideas. n Are based on small research. Gay rights campaigners sample groups that can hope that changing the not provide statistically Despite the fatal flaws, law in this way will significant results. many sociologists have ‘normalise’ homosexual n Have homosexual accepted these studies relationships. participants who were because of the pressure to The Christian Institute not chosen at random be politically correct. will shortly be publishing but were volunteers. Patricia Morgan’s book a book showing They were self-selected also highlights the many homosexual adoption and therefore were properly conducted would harm children. more likely to have a studies that consistently The book has been vested interest in find that children who are written by Patricia ensuring that the brought up by married Morgan, a prominent studies had a good parents do better social science author. outcome. emotionally, socially and As far as is known, this n Either have no ‘control’ academically than those is the only work of its group at all or fail to brought up in any other kind to be published compare homosexual type of family. outside the United States. parenting with

November 2001 Update 15 HOMOSEXUAL

Children must General Teaching Council for England surprised by the size of response develop their“sexual orientation”, says care home guidelines Gay rights teachers’ code

Children in care homes will delayed after Institute be encouraged to develop their “sexual orientation” under proposed new guidelines. campaign The proposed National Minimum Standards in Children’s Homes also says that professional services are to be provided on the basis of sexual orientation, The implementation of a the proposals and helped giving homosexual youth The huge number workers right of access. 1 proposed gay-rights code by our booklet, took part in for teachers has been the consultation. And homes must also of responses delayed following the The huge number of prepare children to meet surprised the action of a large number of responses surprised the their “continuing needs” to Christian Institute GTCE. The final version of establish sexual GTCE relationships.2 supporters. the Code will not now be In May 2001 the newly put to the Council for The Christian Institute established General approval until February responded by sending a Teaching Council for 2002 after which it will be full submission to the Update on Cut the Clause: England (GTCE) began introduced for all teachers public consultation. For the latest news The Institute argued consulting on a within the state sector. request our new briefings that while children are “Professional Code for The Christian Institute is on the GTCs in England Teachers”. also campaigning against a rightly discouraged from This draft code requires similar code in Wales. and Wales smoking, getting drunk teachers to “fully respect” and taking drugs they should also be discouraged differences of “sexual from under-age sexual orientation”. The draft code intends to define teacher Legal Opinion: activity and promiscuity. professionalism. It was also pointed out The Christian Institute that these proposed Expert says code could minimum standards would produced a briefing, Cut conflict with the ethos of the Clause, which showed that this would require result in disciplinary action Christian care homes. teachers to promote gay 1 Children’s Homes: National rights. against Christian teachers Minimum Standards The Institute said Children’s Homes Christians respect people Regulations: Consultation as people regardless of A legal opinion has confirmed fears that a draft gay-rights Document, Department of their way of life, but no teachers’ code could lead to Christian teachers being Health, 2001, standard 7.6, Christian teacher can sign disciplined because of their biblical beliefs about sexual page 15 up to a professional code morality. 2 Ibid, standard 6.6, page 14 that requires them to The draft teachers’ code says teachers must“fully respect behaviour which respect” differences of sexual orientation. conflicts with morality. John Bowers, an eminent QC and author of Copies of our The GTCE’s consultation Employment Law, said that the code could b e used by submission on ended on 20th July with the schools, local authorities and employment tribunals to standards in care intention of introducing punish legitimate expression of religious belief. homes are available the Code on 1 st October Although he believes that the higher courts may secure from The Christian 2001. However, many Christian teachers’ rights, this would mean lengthy and Institute. Christian Institute costly legal proceedings for Christian teachers. supporters, outraged by

16 Update November 2001