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Christian loses sex therapy case Christian loses sex therapy case
(41 minutes later)
A relationship counsellor from Bristol who refused to offer sex therapy to gay couples has lost his appeal for unfair dismissal. A relationship counsellor who refused to offer sex therapy to gay couples has lost his unfair dismissal appeal.
Christian Gary MacFarlane, 47, was sacked by marriage guidance service Relate after he said he could not do anything to promote gay sex. Gary MacFarlane, 47, from Bristol, was sacked by marriage guidance service Relate after he said he could not do anything to promote gay sex.
Mr MacFarlane, who is a former church elder, was appealing on the grounds of religious discrimination. He alleged Relate had refused to accommodate his Christian beliefs.
He alleged Relate had refused to accommodate his religious beliefs. The service's chief executive Claire Tyler said: "The appeal judgement validates Relate's commitment to equality of access to our services."
Mr MacFarlane started training with Relate in May 2003 and said he enjoyed good relationships with clients and colleagues. 'Homophobe' label
He was suspended after meetings with his manager, in October 2007, in which he claimed he was asked to state his views regarding same-sex couples. Mr MacFarlane, a former church elder, was appealing on the grounds of religious discrimination at the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
After the suspension was lifted he said he was labelled a "homophobe" and, following a further disciplinary hearing, was dismissed on March 18. He started training with Relate in May 2003 and said he enjoyed good relationships with clients and colleagues.
We cannot allow anything to damage our clients, or to undermine the principle of trust that underpins our work Claire Tyler
Mr MacFarlane was suspended in October 2007 after meetings with his manager, in which he claimed he was asked to state his views regarding same-sex couples.
After the suspension was lifted he said he was labelled a "homophobe" and, following a further disciplinary hearing, was dismissed on 18 March.
Ms Tyler said: "Relate's trusted service, both in Avon and across the country, relies on making sure that all members of society, regardless of their gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation or relationship status, are able to access respectful and professional counselling and sex therapy.
"Relate is committed to supporting all religious beliefs working within Relate.
"However, our primary consideration is to our clients who often need complex advice and assistance.
"We cannot allow anything to damage our clients, or to undermine the principle of trust that underpins our work."