London:
Churches in Britain may face legal action if they do not agree to the prime minister's plans for same-sex unions, a media report said on Tuesday.
Legal advice sent to David Cameron has warned that churches could be sued under human rights legislation if they refuse to allow the services to proceed, the Telegraph reported.
If the Church of England refuses to conduct gay marriages, it can be challenged in the European Court of Human Rights.
The warnings have been written by leading human rights lawyer Aidan O'Neill.
Churches that refuse to marry homosexuals may also be banned from using council facilities such as village halls.
Teachers could also face disciplinary measures under equality laws if they refuse to promote same-sex marriages.
Same-sex marriage has been fast-tracked by Cameron despite strong opposition within his party and from some religious groups.
Recently, more than 1,000 Catholic priests signed a letter, arguing that the change could lead to new discrimination against Christians.
A House of Commons vote on the Equal Marriage Bill is planned before mid-February.
Legal advice sent to David Cameron has warned that churches could be sued under human rights legislation if they refuse to allow the services to proceed, the Telegraph reported.
If the Church of England refuses to conduct gay marriages, it can be challenged in the European Court of Human Rights.
The warnings have been written by leading human rights lawyer Aidan O'Neill.
Churches that refuse to marry homosexuals may also be banned from using council facilities such as village halls.
Teachers could also face disciplinary measures under equality laws if they refuse to promote same-sex marriages.
Same-sex marriage has been fast-tracked by Cameron despite strong opposition within his party and from some religious groups.
Recently, more than 1,000 Catholic priests signed a letter, arguing that the change could lead to new discrimination against Christians.
A House of Commons vote on the Equal Marriage Bill is planned before mid-February.
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