News Bulletin 23 March 2012

Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has annoyed MPs by using the Queen’s diamond jubilee to ‘lecture’ her on gay rights referring to Her Majesty as a kaleidoscope Queen — Adrian Smith, the housing manager who was demoted because of his moderate comments about civil partnerships in churches, has been stopped from using ‘human rights’ arguments in his legal defense — Daily Telegraph columnist Ed West calls for a referendum on government plans to redefine marriage — Conservative MP Peter Bone has warned that the government has not fully considered the constitutional implications of change — Lady Joan Johnston, has resigned from the Liberal Democrats after 50 years, over the party’s stance on gay marriage — Sikh, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders speak out against Government plans on marriage — The Coalition for Marriage petition, tops 300,000 signatures — Up to one in five abortion clinics could be breaking the law, according to an official investigation ordered by the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley — The government plans to relax Sunday trading laws during the Olympics — David Cameron announces minimum prices for alcohol — A new report claims that 85% of hate crimes in Europe are against Christians — And Premier League footballers have called on supporters to keep praying for Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba after he suffered a heart attack last week.