Hindu Group In UK Says Church Ban On Yoga Classes Violates Equality Law

The United Kingdom's Hindu Council has issued a press release yesterday questioning the ban imposed by two British churches on renting out space in their buildings for yoga classes. Reverend Tim Jones, Vicar of St James' and The Reverend Simon Farrar of the Silver Street Baptist Church argued that yoga is a "sham", a "false philosophy" and "unchristian". The Hindu Council-- saying those comments amount to a charge that Hinduism is a false religion-- is considering filing a complaint with the Commission for Equality and Human Rights claiming that the ban violates provisions in the Equality Act 2006 that prohibit religious discrimination in providing goods, facilities and services.