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Victory for couple whose foster
boy was taken away after they refused to promote gay relationships
JAMES MILLS
UK
Daily Mail
Friday November 2, 2007
The couple who had an 11-year-old boy removed from their care
because they refused to sign new sexual equality rules have won
their battle to continue fostering.
Vincent and Pauline Matherick believed the regulations went against
their Christian beliefs but social workers told them they had
no choice but to sign them.
Last night, however, the couple were celebrating after social
services assured them they would not have to promote same-sex
relationships.
It was not clear last night if they had been reunited with the
boy but the move does pave the way for his return.
The boy, whom they had looked after for two years, was taken
into care by Somerset County Council last Friday.
(Article continues below)
The Mathericks, who have three grown-up children of their own,
said they were "delighted" by the decision.
Mr Matherick said: "This is a blessing and I must thank
the media, and particularly the Daily Mail, for their help in
highlighting the issue."
The Mathericks, from Chard, had refused to sign the contract
drawn up by the council to implement Labour's Sexual Orientation
Regulations, which make discrimination on the grounds of sexuality
illegal.
The couple, who have fostered 28 children since 2001, were told
they would be required to discuss same-sex relationships with
children as young as 11 and tell them gay partnerships were just
as acceptable as heterosexual marriages.
They said they were told they would no longer be allowed to foster
if they did not sign.
Rather than face being expelled, they reluctantly gave up fostering.
Mr Matherick, a 65-year-old retired travel agent and primary
school governor, said last week: "I simply could not agree
to do it because it is against my central beliefs.
"We have never discriminated against anybody but I cannot
preach the benefits of homosexuality when I believe it is against
the word of God."
Mrs Matherick, 61, said the boy had been deeply upset when he
was taken into care last Friday.
Somerset County Council said the couple had now signed its "equalities
promise" contact but emphasised it did not expect the Mathericks
to promote homosexuality.
A spokesman for the council added: "We all agree the welfare
of children is paramount. This issue may have damaged the image
of fostering at a time when vulnerable children need caring homes
and Mr and Mrs Matherick join with us in encouraging people to
consider fostering."
Andrea Williams, of the pressure group Christian Concern For
Our Nation, said: "This should be of enormous encouragement
to all Christians who want to take up the important role of caring
for vulnerable children."
The Mathericks' victory came after a magistrate who says he was
forced to resign because he would not place children for adoption
with gay couples lost his appeal.
Andrew McClintock, 63, of Sheffield, plans to take his fight
to the Court of Appeal.
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INFOWARS:
BECAUSE THERE'S A WAR ON FOR YOUR MIND
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