UK Bank, Promoting "Freedom of Expression" Sacks Christian Client

The Co-operative Bank positions itself as a bank that pursues strong ethical policies. Their Ethical Policy includes the statement "The bank chose to base its Ethical Policy on the concerns of its customers, on the basis that it is generally their money that is being used, and they should have a say in how it is used." The bank also seeks to support the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which in its tents, includes "Freedom of expression."

When the bank recently became aware of their evangelical Christian client, Christian Voice, and their religious position on homosexuality, the bank gave the organization 30 days to close all accounts and take their business elsewhere.

"The Co-op bank, for all its fine words, is discriminating against us on the grounds of conscience and religion," noted Stephen Green, national director of Christian Voice.

Co-op Bank bars 'anti-gay' Christian group