Faith and sexuality conference 2012 University of Salford Phil Barnett

The Passover questions Why is this night different to all others? On the night that is different from all other nights it is fitting that our own differences are recalled Why are these protected characteristics different to all others?

Why is this a special relationship World-view defined by external authority v self-definition The homosexualisation of society or the socialisation of homosexuality? Absolutist dogma and simplicity or the embrace of diversity, difference, difficulty and complexity? Two characteristics that experience outsider status

The challenge of pluralism How willing and able are we to live with difference? With whom are we able to form alliances? What are the conditions that predispose pluralism’s success?

Global and individual Our focus is defined by tensions and connections between global and individual scale Dogmatism and liberalism, religion and secularism, inclusion and exclusion, public and private Experiences of individuals

I am closeted as a gay man when I am with my Christian friends, and closeted as a Christian with my gay friends....

In other words Our capacity to develop a respectful, fruitful, complex, contradictory, constructive dialogue and relationship between people with these protected characteristic is a litmus test of whether or not our modern, diverse, liberal democracy can work

The stakes are high!

The legal challenges Rosa Parkes could have taken another bus Discrimination by some cannot be justified by the fairness and professionalism of others

As religion takes its place in the public square, the rules of the public square should apply to religion The rules of the public square are the rules that create space and legitimacy for all parties, and should be accepted by all parties – even when those parties are in conflict

In the public square, everyone is entitled to fair treatment Employers are entitled to require employees to perform a full range of services Employers are entitled to adopt proportionate means of achieving the legitimate goal of providing non- discriminatory services

Freedom of speech does not justify stirring up hatred towards and threatening people Freedom of religion does not justify raising children in homophobic homes Freedom of religion does not justify delivering partial and conditional services

Friends, allies and others Need for broad and inclusive alliances Dogmatism can be isolated Scottish campaign for equal marriage