Gay marriage case registrar in legal battle

A Christian registrar demoted to receptionist after refusing to marry gay couples in civil ceremonies was due to take her case to the House of Lords today.

Theresa Davies, 58, claimed she faces the sack after telling council bosses she would not take part in the proceedings due to her religious opposition to same-sex partnerships.

Her fight against Islington Council echoes that of her friend and colleague Lillian Ladele, 48, who won a similar case against the same council last July.

Ms Davies is now launching a grievance procedure against the council and has appealed to the House of Lords for help, complaining of a "militant political-sexual libertarian lobby" at the council.

Ms Davies, who has worked for the council for 18 years, said she was being forced out of the £26,000-a-year post because of her views. She insists she has "nothing against homosexuals", but said her preference not to marry them should be respected by the council.

She claims to have been the victim of discrimination on the grounds of her religious beliefs. She felt under so much pressure to carry out the ceremonies after their introduction in 2005 that the following year she took four months off with stress, she said.

On her return she was told she would have to be demoted or dismissed. She accepted a receptionist position, where she remained for two years.

Ms Davies said: "Britain is supposed to be a nation that respects freedom of conscience."