Senior Jew, Sikh leaders oppose UK 's gay marriage proposals

London, Mar 18(ANI): Sikh and Jew leaders have slammed the government proposals that allow same-sex couples to marry. Lord Singh, head of the Network of Sikh Organisations, and Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet accused the Coalition of launching an "assault" on religious values. Rabbi Schochet slammed the proposals as "pure politics" and an assault on "traditional values", adding it was hypocritical to impose such a "secular" change when religious leaders would be condemned for imposing their values on others. "Ultimately, of course, it's not for me to dictate to government and start telling them what to do, I can just simply decry what is going on the basis of what I consider to be, from a religious biblical perspective, an assault on religious values," he added. Their statements came as British Prime Minister David Cameron's adviser on family issues Reg Bailey said the reforms risk leading to polygamy and even marriage between siblings. The British Government had earlier launched its consultation document, asking the public if they "agree" or "disagree" with the proposals, The Telegraph reports. But the document said ministers were looking at how, rather than if, the ban should be lifted. According to the proposal, same-sex couples would be allowed to marry in register offices and venues such as hotels, but not in churches, synagogues and other religious premises. British politicians argued that the change would therefore affect "civil" rather than "religious" marriage, but opponents said it cannot be split. (ANI)