Christian University groups - can non Christians join?

Here is a classic tale of two rights crashing into each other. The first right is the right of association. In other words, this is the right which you have to form groups that you like and as long as the group is not advocating anything illegal, go for it. But on the other hand, there is a right not to be discriminated against.

So far so good. Take the first right. I want to form a gentleman's club. So I form it. That's my right, no? Well, ummm, not fully. Because if I want to keep the women out of it, I will be violating the non-discrimination laws/right. But it becomes more and more complicated. If I want to form an Alcoholics Anonymous group, i can form it, but would I be forced to allow a wine lover into the group? How about a Christian group? Do I have to allow Muslims, Hindu's and the worst bit, athiests into the group? Just what will a Hindu do in a Christian Group?

But as it so happens, and I quote from this report

CUs at Birmingham and Exeter universities and their respective student guilds over claims of discrimination.

Last year, both Christian societies had their bank accounts frozen and were banned from using student union facilities for failing to amend their constitutions to allow people of other faiths and beliefs into membership and leadership roles. Both Christian unions retaliated with threats of legal action.

See here and here for the guidance given by the Equality Challenge Unit. I have to admit, as a libertarian, this very idea of having an Equality Challenge Unit raises my hackles. This is a classic governmental overkill for something that can be easily done by sitting around a beer/coffee and having a pragmatic chat.

But no, we have to push forward with a gigantic governmental body and spend obscene amounts of money on something that really doesnt need one. Next thing you know, a bloody conference, a UN Treaty and international NGO's have formed like parasites and sucking on the taxpayer's tit like there is no tomorrow. Discrimination has to be fought but the legal system already provides that guarantee!

Anyway, read and weep on the inability of our societies to manage themselves in a commonsensical manner.

All this to be taken with a grain of piquant salt!!!