Richard Page was removed from his position as Justice of the Peace on the Family Panel in Kent because of his Christian views about the family. Sign the petition to stop this anti-Christian and anti-family discrimination.

Mr Richard Page has an exemplary record of fifteen years’ service as justice of the peace in Kent. But he was recently reprimanded and forced to undergo ‘equality training’ for stating that the best interests of children require them to be placed with a mother and a father. 

This view is based on sound research and is a legitimate exercise of judicial discretion and should not be interfered with by either the Government or the Lord Chief Justice.  What is permissible in law does not necessarily mean that it is in the best interests of a child.  Richard Page considered the evidence in an adoption case and decided it was not in the best interests of this particular child to be adopted by a same-sex couple.

If a Magistrate is reprimanded for using such judicial discretion, this will amount to a religious bar to office.

Mr. Page says:

My Christian faith informs me that children flourish best in a loving home with a married mum and dad. My 20 years of experience in mental health service also leads me to the same conclusion. This is not a matter of prejudice or bigotry but is based on knowledge and evidence that I have applied when seeking the best interests for a lifetime of a vulnerable child.

As a Magistrate in the Family Court, I must conduct a case-by-case analysis, based on the facts which are before me. In this particular case, it appeared to me that there was overwhelming evidence that the situation was not in the best interests of the child.
 
Since making the decision I have been put under huge pressure to conform to the conclusions that others wanted me to reach but I knew that I had to dissent, for the sake of that child. Christian faith demands setting aside ideologically convenient conclusions and fighting for the best interests of children.

Sign this petition to stand with Family Magistrate Richard Page. Let’s tell the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor that the best interests of the child are served in a family with a mother and a father.