Eunice and Owen Johns

In 2008, experienced foster carers Eunice and Owen Johns applied to foster a child in Derby but their application stalled because of their Christian sexual ethics. In a High Court judgment on 28 February 2011, the judges failed to rule on the specific declaration sought by the Johns and stated that homosexual rights trump freedom of conscience in the context of fostering; that if children are placed with parents who have biblical Christian views, then “there may well be a conflict with the local authority’s duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of looked-after children”; they stated that councils can require the promotion of homosexuality; and made it clear that councils can stop Christians from fostering children on this basis. The Johns remain unable to foster.

Related Media

Channel 4 (4Thought TV): Owen and Eunice Johns on marriage

BBC One: Eunice and Owen Johns on the 'One Show'

Paul Diamond debates Lord Falconer on Johns case on 'Today' programme

Articles

Growing public support for foster care couple prompts calls for revision of ‘unworkable’ Equalities legislation

April 8th, 2011

A ComRes survey published today suggests that the case of Owen and Eunice Johns (the Christian couple seeking to provide foster care in Derby) has prompted a significant shift in public opinion.
Christian Foster Carers Campaign for Re-instatement by Derby Council

April 6th, 2011

The Christian couple from Derby at the heart of the controversy over whether couples with mainstream Christian views on marriage and sexuality can become foster parents have re-submitted an application to foster to Derby City Council asking the Council to change its policy on carers.
Why the Johns case will not be appealed

March 10th, 2011

Should we protect Children from being ‘infected’ with Christianity? So argued the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the case of Johns v Derby.
Johns Fostering Case: Effects of the Ruling and Further Analysis

March 4th, 2011

There has been huge media interest regarding the Johns ruling by the High Court. There has also been some confusion over the nature and implications of the ruling.
High Court Judgment suggests Christian beliefs harmful to children. Fostering by Christians now in doubt.

February 28th, 2011

In a landmark judgment, which will have a serious impact on the future of fostering and adoption in the UK, the High Court has suggested that Christians with traditional views on sexual ethics are unsuitable as foster carers, and that homosexual ‘rights’ trump freedom of conscience in the UK.