Fundamentalist Vigil Outside Parliament on Wednesday

Wednesday sees the last stage (hopefully) of the legislative process before the introduction of the Sexual Orientation Regulations at the end of April. A vote for approval will be taking place in the House of Lords.

A group of Christian lawyers (The Lawyers' Christian Fellowship) are planning a "prayer vigil" outside Parliament on the same night (between 7 and 9pm at Old Palace yard (the square opposite the St Stephen’s entrance to the House of Lords)), presumably trying to re-enact the demonstration which took place there on 09 January this year, against the Nothern Irish version of the Regulations.

Here is what they are (perhaps not surprisingly) yelling (the online convention is that a text in capitals is being yelled) about the vigil (taken from their website, which I won't link to):

WE PRAY FOR A MIRACLE NEXT WEDNESDAY. HOWEVER, WHATEVER THE OUTCOME IT IS VITAL THAT HISTORY RECORDS CHRISTIANS STANDING FOR TRUTH TO THE VERY END OF THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS.

THIS DEBATE NEXT WEDNESDAY IS THE CRUCIAL DEBATE. I BELIEVE IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO PERSUADE PEERS OF THE LACK OF DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN BRINGING IN THE SORS AND TO PERSUADE THEM OF GENUINE CONCERNS REGARDING THE CLASH OF FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN FREEDOMS.

At least, they recognise that LGBT rights to be treated fairly are a "fundamental human freedom". Or is it only bad syntax?

In the meantime, members of the laity have written a letter to all Anglican bishops asking them to attend Wednesday's session of the Lords and vote agains the Regulations.

There is obviously no time to get the necessary authorisation for counter-demonstration but there wasn't last time either and a few of us simply turned up in silence protest. Wouldn't it be great if the same thing happened that day?

To read my (growing number of) previous posts on the subject, please click here or on "Sexual Orientation Regulations" in the right hand menu.

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