Christian Sex Counselor Loses Antigay Appeal

A Christian relationship counselor from the UK who challenged his dismissal over refusing to provide sex therapy to gay couples has lost his appeal in court.

According to the BBC, "Gary McFarlane, 48, from Bristol, was sacked by Relate Avon in 2008. He claimed the service had refused to accommodate his Christian beliefs."

He argued that he should be allowed to avoid work that would cause conflicts with his religious principles.

The High Court disagreed, the BBC reports.

"Lord Justice Laws said legislation for the protection of views held purely on religious grounds cannot be justified. He said it was irrational and 'also divisive, capricious and arbitrary.'"

McFarlane began working with Relate in 2003 and was suspended in 2007. He was later fired. He lost an appeal against unfair dismissal in November, when the company said that the decision demonstrated its commitment to equal access to services.