Christian Concern says new British equalities chairman would be biased against Christians

Lorraine Caballero Monday, March 21, 2016

A gay man is silhoutted on a gay rainbow flag during a demonstration for gay rights in Hanoi, Vietnam, November 24, 2015. | REUTERS / Kham

Some campaigners are not happy with the British government's decision to appoint David Isaac as the new Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) chairman, saying he would be biased against Christians.

Christian Concern is now urging MPs to veto David Isaac's appointment as the EHRC chairman. He is set to face a scrutiny panel on Wednesday, according to the Telegraph.

The EHRC is the independent statutory body which implements equality and non-discrimination laws in England, Wales, and Scotland. Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan was the one who nominated Isaac for the position, Pink News reports.

Because Isaac was the former chairman of the gay and lesbian rights group Stonewall, Christian Concern fears that he would favor the LGBT community and would be biased towards Christians.

The group's head Andrea Williams sent the Secretary of State a letter expressing its anger over the selection of Isaac as the new EHRC chairman. In the letter, she called the decision an "absurdity" and called on the government to reconsider the appointment.

The group also aired out their concern over the effect of his previous position to his ability to act without discrimination in protecting human rights, the report adds.

"In this role, it would be his duty to act impartially to promote and protect human rights, eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity across nine areas – including religion and belief," Christian Concern said in the letter.

Morgan said Isaac was appointed as chairman of the EHRC because he was able to implement "major legislative change" under his term in Stonewall.

For Christian Concern, drafting the Equality Act 2010 has put LGBT rights above the rights of the Christians. The group also said practicing Christians are now forced to exercise their faith in private, the report relays.

However, Morgan said Isaac has the necessary skills and experience required for an EHRC chairman. She also expressed her confidence in Isaac's ability to deliver "real equality" to all people regardless of their faith.