To pray or not to pray

It is amazing that an unelected Judge has interpreted the law in such a way and banned prayers at Bideford Town Council - despite the wishes of the vast majority of elected Councillors.

I doubt this decision would have come about if there had been no prayers and just one Councillor had wanted to have them - and had then gone to the High Court.  The Councillor who objected to the prayers was under no obligation to attend, and - with the help of the Judge - has now imposed his world view on the wishes of the elected majority.

This judgement shows that there is an anti-religious bias infecting some of our establishment.  Faith individuals and faith groups are often discriminated against in favour of a 'secular' world-view.  This decision against faith at Bideford, could potentially represent an avalanche of claim after claim against faith activities in our institutions up and down the land - including Parliament.

What is needed is a Bill of Rights, which guarantees the rights of faith communities.

Above all we should respect local democracy and stop 'the establishment'  making decisions that are quite contrary to the will of the people.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com