Pope attacks equality

1.21.36pm GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

Pope Benedict XVI has attacked British society and in particular our equality legislation. In a letter addressed to the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, the pope criticised UK legislation for creating "limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs". Of course, what the Pope means is the law now prevents adoption agencies from discriminating against gay couples and the Equality Bill may mean the Catholic Church can no longer discriminate on grounds of sexuality or gender.

Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society referring to the Pope's visit to the UK said "The taxpayer is going to be faced with a bill for £20m for the visit - in which he has indicated he will attack equal rights and promote discrimination."