McFarlane v United Kingdom: Gary McFarlane, a relationship counsellor from Bristol, was dismissed for gross misconduct by Relate after he refused to confirm that he would provide directive sex therapy to homosexual couples due to his religious beliefs. Mr McFarlane had never refused to comply with a request from his employer. The case was heard by the European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg, in 2012 and raised important issues on religious conscience, falling within the ‘margin of appreciation’ of the United Kingdom.
