Modified EU Draft Directive on Discrimination Raises Concerns

Sunday's London Telegraph reports on changes that were made this month by the European Parliament in the EU Anti-Discrimination Directive that was drafted last year by the European Commission. The directive bans discrimination in offering of goods and services. This month's amendments eliminated exemptions for organizations based on religion and belief. Critics say this means that Christian churches might be sued if they refuse to give communion, baptism or membership to non-Christians trying to get their children into a church school. It could bar current policies under which church schools give priority in admission to members of their faith. And some say it could lead to gays and lesbians demanding weddings in churches. The draft directive now goes to the European Council, where each EU country is represented. Meanwhile the Church of England plans to raise concerns about the draft with the British government.