Christian's rights 'not violated'

Mr Martin says meetings are open to people of all faiths

The human rights of a university student in Devon were not violated, an independent adjudicator has ruled.

The adjudication was in regard to a row between Exeter University's Students' Guild and the frozen bank account of the Christian Union.

Mark Shaw QC said the guild had not violated the human rights of the Christian Union or Ben Martin.

Mr Martin said the adjudication was "unbalanced" and said he would seek a judicial review in the High Court.

In his conclusion, Mr Shaw said the Christian Union's membership and leadership rules breached the guild's Equal Opportunities Policy and its constitution.

Statement of beliefs

But Mr Martin has argued that although the union restricted membership to Christians, its meetings were open to people of all faiths or none.

The row centres on a decision by the Students' Guild last year to suspend the Christian Union and freeze its bank account.

The guild took action after students joining the union were required to sign a statement of religious beliefs.

In January, Mr Martin filed papers at the High Court for a judicial review of the guild's actions under the Human Rights Act, but was informed the university would require an independent adjudication before a judicial review procedure could be followed.

The Christian Union's statement of beliefs was supported by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey.