TCL Mumping, so your answer to my question is 'because the rules say so'. Well, I can't help feeling you're ducking the real issue again, but you're wrong to say that the rules give religious beliefs precedence over the needs of a patient. They don't. Common sense should tell you that such a ruling would be simply ridiculous, not least because it would contravene the law of the land. If, indeed, our lily-livered rule makers were to issue such a decree, it would have to be done with complete disregard for the Human Rights Act - and even they aren't stupid enough to do that.
The ruling does not give the religious carte blanche to refuse to serve a customer. It carries with it certain conditions, and here are some of them.
//Ensure that if your religious or moral beliefs prevent you from providing a particular professional service, the relevant persons or authorities are informed of this and patients are referred to alternative providers for the service they require.
Recognise diversity and respect the cultural differences, values and beliefs of others.
Make sure your views about a person’s lifestyle, beliefs, race, gender, age, sexuality, disability or other perceived status do not prejudice their treatment or care.//
You ask why I am unable to tolerate those beliefs and practices. I'm tempted to ask 'why should I?', but since I know I'm not going to get an honest answer from you, suffice to say that as a Godless atheist, I have principles and a human moral and ethical code that involves caring for others, and protecting their interests as well as my own. I know you won't have a clue what I'm talking about, and I know that my irreligious philosophy is not going to get me a pass into paradise, but from what I've seen of religion and the callous and selfish attitudes of those who defend it so arrogantly, I think I can live very happily with that pleasant notion.