Religion: UK Christian couple with anti-gay beliefs denied foster children, sue

 In the United Kingdom a Christian couple is suing for the right to take in foster children after being denied the chance because of their anti-gay beliefs. Eunice and Owen Johns were found to be unsuitable foster parents after telling a social worker they would not tell a child that a homosexual lifestyle was acceptable because of their religious beliefs.

The Pentecostal couple applied to be foster parents in January 2007, but their application was halted later that year, after expressing their anti-gay bigotry. They are now suing the Derby City Council to force a clarification in British law.

CNN reports:

The Johnses' "orthodox Christian views on the practice of homosexuality and their commitment to attending church with their children came to the notice of a social worker. As a result of this they were withdrawn from the process," says the Christian Legal Centre, which is assisting them.

"If the court believes that Christian views on homosexuality can be discriminated against, the state has taken a position on a moral question; namely that such religious belief is morally problematic," said Andrea Minichiello-Williams, the director of the legal group.

The fact is such religious beliefs are morally problematic.  Discrimination against gays and lesbians is immoral.  Simply hiding behind religious superstition does not make that immorality go away.  

For too long Christians have tried to justify their ugly homophobia, and their attending discrimination and  ostracization of members of the GLBT community, with religious superstition.  It is time to call a bigot, a bigot, regardless of religious affiliation.  And bigots have no business delivering foster care to anyone.