Former Scottish National Party leader Gordon Wilson has said a “lynch mob” booted him off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) because of his support for traditional marriage.
Earlier this month Mr Wilson responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on redefining marriage, saying that he was opposed to the idea.
He said: “You attack the building block of society at your peril” and he called for a referendum on the issue.
Intent
But last week members of Dundee CAB accused Mr Wilson of being anti-equality and blocked his re-election.
“I knew from the start that it was like a lynch mob, and whatever I said, it was obvious that they were intent on my removal,” he said.
The 73-year-old added: “When I pointed out to the meeting that their statement of equal opportunities also included the rights of those of religious faith, this was disregarded.
Discrimination
“So, also, was a reference to the £39,000 given last year to Dundee CAB for racial/religious discrimination projects by the Scottish Government.
“They would have difficulty in applying for fresh funding for this project when they were guilty of practising religious discrimination themselves.
“All to no avail, the issue of same sex-marriage appeared to have priority over the work of the bureau. Political correctness was victorious.”
Liberty
Mary Kinninmonth, the director of Dundee CAB, said: “The board of trustee directors is keen to confirm that it is fully committed to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Bureau and equality of opportunity for all.”
But Gordon Macdonald, parliamentary officer at CARE for Scotland, said: “This case raises serious concerns about religious liberty and freedom of speech. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Gordon Wilson, everyone should defend his right to state his view.”
He added: “It calls into question the public funding that the CAB receives from the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council. We would ask for this funding to be withdrawn, especially the money the CAB receives to counter religious discrimination.”