Discrimination laws are nasty for several reasons; this is one of the bigger ones.

BBC reports that Prime Minister Tony Blair could decide whether Catholic charities can be exempt from newly written discrimination law, or Blair can leave that to the House of Commons to decide.

The agencies say they will close if not given an opt-out from having to place children with gay couples, which they say goes against their beliefs.

The Equality Act, due to come into effect in England, Wales and Scotland in April, outlaws discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services on the basis of sexual orientation.

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The Catholic Church’s agencies are said to handle 4%, or about 200, of all adoptions a year. However they handle about a third of those children judged difficult to place.

It’s not enough for the UK that other adoption agencies exist that don’t have qualms about letting gay parents adopt the children of those agencies. No, the state must force Catholic charities to behave in a manner that is contrary to their principles. Such a high regard is placed on the choice of individuals to do whatever they feel, while the choice is stomped out for a private association to do what it sees prudent.

Update, Jan. 28th: BBC reports the UK is enforcing the new rule with no exceptions.