Shadow Faith Minister Janet Daby resigns after ‘misjudged’ same-sex marriage remarks
"I sincerely apologise"
Words: Jamie Tabberer
Janet Daby has resigned as Shadow Faith Minister following what she has called “misjudged comments” on marriage equality during a Religion Media Centre briefing last Friday.
According to a report in The Telegraph on 6 December, Daby argued registrars should have the right to object to same-sex marriage on religious grounds, and should be protected from losing their jobs if they refuse to certify one.
Daby reportedly said: “There needs to be something in place that protects people of faith as well as those who think the other way. It is an issue of conscience. It is like people having a choice who for reasons of conscience cannot participate in conducting an abortion.”
It is unlawful discrimination for a registrar to refuse to perform a same-sex wedding.
“I sincerely apologise”
Daby said on Twitter yesterday: “I’m proud to support same-sex marriages. On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships, and all the progress we’ve made since.
“I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday, and have decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister.”
I’m proud to support same-sex marriages. On Saturday Labour celebrated 15 years of civil partnerships, and all the progress we’ve made since.
I sincerely apologise for my misjudged comments on Friday, and have decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister.
— Janet Daby MP (@JanetDaby) December 7, 2020
A Labour spokesman said: “Janet Daby has today stood down from her role as a shadow minister.
“We will appoint a replacement in due course.”
Daby was in the role from 9 April 2020. She will continue to serve as Member of Parliament for Lewisham East.
The Minister of Faith “works with religious and community leaders to promote faith, religious tolerance and stronger communities within the UK” according to gov.uk.
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