On Monday the UK Independence Party (UKIP) launched a manifesto focussing specifically on issues that matter to Christians.
The Valuing Our Christian Heritage document sets out where UKIP stands on a range of policies from family to overseas aid and marriage. It states "we need a much more muscular defence of our Christian heritage and our Christian Constitution."
It also says the party will extend "reasonable accommodation" to give protection in law to those expressing religious beliefs in the workplace. This comes after a Christian bakery in Northern Ireland was taken to court on a charge of discrimination, following the refusal to bake a 'support gay marriage' cake.
UKIP states it remains opposed to same-sex marriage but will not appeal the current legislation because it would be "grossly unfair and unethical to 'un-marry' loving couples or restrict further marriages." However it does say UKIP recognises the role of the "traditional" family unit.
The manifesto also added that UKIP "will take everyone on minimum wage out of tax altogether, to put more money back in the pockets of the lowest paid."
Finally, it focuses on church repairs and UKIP have pledged to cut VAT back to 5% to help maintain churches as "thriving places of worship".
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Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
