Religious charities could continue promoting homophobia under new watchdog powers, campaigners warn

Campaigners have warned that new powers proposed for the Charity Commission could still leave LGBTQ+ people exposed to homophobia from religious charities.

The National Secular Society (NSS) has welcomed plans to give the charity regulator stronger powers to tackle extremism, but says the proposals fail to address hatred directed at LGBTQ+ people and women.

Under the Government’s consultation, the Charity Commission for England and Wales would gain powers to disqualify trustees and senior charity figures who promote or encourage hatred based on race, religion or belief. The measures would also target those who use charity resources to host events or speakers spreading such views.