YOGA ROW: HINDU COUNCIL SPARKS LEGAL THREAT

Lawyers for the Hindu Council UK are exploring whether two Taunton churches who refused to allow a children’s yoga group to meet on their premises have acted contrary to the Religion and Belief Section of the 2006 Equality Act. The Revd Tim Jones, vicar of St James’ Church, and the Revd Simon Farrar of Silver Street Baptist Church, turned down the group’s request to use church rooms for the classes. ‘Any alternative philosophies or beliefs are offering a sham,’ Mr Jones said. But now the HCUK claims the priests’ decision may be illegal – and is also considering whether to ask the Commission for Equality and Human Rights to investigate whether their comments amount to ‘instructing or causing discrimination’.

Sources: Christian Today (4/9), Church of England Newspaper (6/9), Baptist Times (6/9)