Next week will be an interesting week as the ECHR will hear four high profile claims against the UK relating to the freedom of thought, conscience and religion as contained in Article 9.

The claims were all dismissed by the UK courts amidst much controversy.  As a quick reminder, they are (1) Lillian Ladele who lost her job as a registrar after her employer required her to register civil partnerships (she refused due to her Christian beliefs); (2) Nadia Eweida who was suspended by British Airways for wearing of a crucifix; (3) Shirley Chaplin who lost her job as a nurse after refusing to remove her crucifix when v necked tunics were introduced for staff and (4) Gary McFarlane who was dismissed as a relationship counsellor because his employer believed he would not provide counselling to same sex couples.

It seems that, at the present time, the courts have not been able to find a way to afford respect for everyone’s rights and beliefs – be these the right to register a civil partnership or the belief that same sex unions should not be given formal legal recognition.  Will next week’s hearing take us one step closer to respect and rights for all?  We will wait and see……