[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

So, Willow, you also would want to repeal the existing discrimination laws so that people are free to refuse service, accommodation or jobs to others purely on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation? Don't you think it would be major step backwards? How would you feel if you applied for a vacancy and they told you, "Sorry, you're well-qualified to do the job, but we don't want a woman." Would you walk away, contented, thinking, "Well, at least I know where I stand."

Please don't put words into my mouth.

Actually jobs are often refused to people on the basis of them being the wrong colour. If a firm has to fill a certain quota of employees from ethnic minorities then a perfectly well qualified person of a paler complexion may well be refused the job. Personally I believe we should have total equality for all and that the best qualified person should be the one for the job regardless of race creed colour or quotas. Discriminating in favour of one group causes discrimination against another. In some positions where it is felt that there are not enough women then a perfectly qualified man could be turned down in favour of a less qualified woman. I also believe that this is wrong.

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

And if you'd want to refuse the right of the BNP to hold a conference, why do you defend the anti-gay beliefs of the Catholic church? Surely, both are based on irrational prejudice, or do you, as Gayle appears to, think that homophobia somehow isn't quite as bad as racism?

You see the Catholic church's beliefs as irrational prejudice. I see them as a specific part of their doctrine which they should not be forced to compromise. In a day and age when we permit sikhs to opt out of wearing crash helmets because they wear turbans which are a part of their beliefs why can we make exceptions for them and yet insist that we cannot make exceptions for others? As several of us have already said, the Catholic church does not seek to prevent adoption by gay couples, only to request that they be allowed to pass them on to other agencies.

As for the BNP - do you really think I would be wrong for not wanting to have their racist and homophobic attitude on my premises? I find them utterly repulsive and would rather go to jail than to be seen supporting them.