An Englishman's home is his castle?

Well, that's what I recall being taught when I was a child!  However, it would appear that this is no longer the case!

It is reported, today, that a Christian couple being sued for refusing to allow two homosexuals to share a room at their bed and breakfast Guest House .  The couple - Peter and Hazelmary Bull - refused to allow two homosexuals to share a double room in their Cornish Guesthouse because to have done so would have violated their Christian consciences.  They stated, before Bristol County Court, that they only allowed married, heterosexual, couples to share a room, and pointed out that their website says "... we have few rules, but please note that, as Christians, we have a deep regard for marriage (being the union of one man to one woman, for life, to the exclusion of all others). Therefore, although we extend to all a warm welcome to our home, our double-bedded accommodation is not available to unmarried couples – Thank you." {http://www.chymorvah.co.uk/bookingform.html}

It would appear that one of the men involved made a telephone booking - but made no mention of another person being included.  Later, it is claimed, a second telephone call was made for a person using the same surname, but with the title 'Mrs', leading the manager of the Guesthouse to believe - understandably - that a married couple would be arriving.

When two males arrived on the following day, they were informed of the policy of the Guest House, and told that they would not be permitted to share a room.  The two males then stated that such an action was illegal, and reported the situation to the police - ensuring that the current prosecution would follow.

This sort of situation is, of course, the very kind of thing that many of us foresaw - and flagged up - before the current law was placed on the statute book.  As the Guest House manager has pointed out, it is perfectly possible - although impossible to prove - that the whole incident was a 'set-up', with the specific aim of placing a Christian couple (great-grandparents!) in this kind of situation. 

I note, too, that although the Bulls are being represented, and supported, by The Christian Institute - an organisation that depends, for its financial support, on donations from people like me; the homosexuals'

legal fees are being paid by the Government-funded Equality and Human Rights Commission - in other words, by the taxpayer (including me!).  

 

Compared with what disciples of Jesus suffer in many other parts of the world, today, the Bulls' experience barely rates a mention.  However, it is yet another instance of the way in which persecution of genuine Christians is becoming common-place in the U.K.  As some of us pray for the Bulls, let us also pray for strength to withstand whatever comes against us in the increasingly hostile environment of our own land.