Panel says judges have been too hard on U.K. Christians

LONDON (RNS) A government-funded watchdog panel said British judges have
erred in supporting employers who try to fire Christian workers for
wearing crosses or refusing to offer sex counseling to gay couples.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said Monday (July
11) that employers should ease up, saying current interpretations of the
law are "insufficient to protect freedom of religion or belief."

The commission's ruling came barely a day after the Church of
England's General Synod called on the British government to give
Christians the legal protection to defend themselves against prosecution
for faith-based decisions.