CHRISTIAN HOLY DAYS AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

Early day motion 73, tabled 25 May 2010 by Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 27 members.

That this House notes that neither Good Friday nor Christmas day are included in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 on the grounds that they are traditional days of rest and worship; further notes that the restrictions under the Sunday Trading Act 1994 do not apply to either of these important days in the Christian calendar; recognises that competitive pressures find many Christians in a position where they feel compelled to work on these days, and that many Christians view commercial activities on these days as showing a disregard and disrespect for their religion; and calls on the Government to review existing legislation relating to the holiest days in the Christian calendar and bring forward change that will protect Christians from being compelled to engage in commercial activities on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 9, Labour 7, DUP 5, Conservative 4, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.