TUV leader Jim Allister has written to Dr. Michael Wardlow, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, in the following terms:
Dear Dr Wardlow,
Re Lee-v-Asher Bakery Co Ltd
Following the UK Supreme Court ruling in the above case, with its emphatic rejection of the case you lavishly promoted and funded, I believe the Commission needs to take a long hard look at itself.
The compelling reasoning of the Supreme Court demonstrates how fundamentally flawed was your approach. Given your guardianship role in terms of rights this is a devastating indictment of the Commission. When added to the rebuke of the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal over your disinterest in assisting members of the faith community, the Commission is exposed as unfit for purpose.
The manner in which you personally embraced the plaintiff/respondent’s cause and cast the Commission in the role of persecutor of a Christian bakery has done permanent damage to the Commission’s standing among many in the Christian community. The loss of confidence is palpable and deserved.
In consequence, as a step towards redeeming the position of the Commission, I urge you to take responsibly for this fiasco and resign forthwith. Other Commission members, who by supporting this case joined in seeking to vilify Ashers, should also consider their position, but you as Chief Commissioner need to go.
Yours sincerely,