The BHA has joined calls to change UK libel laws to prevent victimisation of scientists, journalists and human rights campaigners. Current libel laws allow companies to ‘protect their reputation’ by bringing costly, unfair legal cases against those who criticise them.
The BHA earlier added their support to science writer Simon Singh who is being sued for libel after writing an article criticising the claims of the British Chiropractic Association.
Chief Executive Andrew Copson said, ‘The BHA is pleased to add their voice to support the Libel Reform Campaign. In an open society, there must be room to have open debates about scientific issues, room to discuss human rights and room to defend free speech.
‘The law in the UK is being used as a tool by people both here and abroad to silence dissent and censor writers and freethinkers. People wishing to discuss medicine, scientific discovery, belief and human rights in the public arena should be able to do so without the threat of censorship and costly legal bills. These laws are outdated and do nothing except protect the powerful from fair and balanced criticism.
‘We have called upon our members and supporters to sign the petition asking for action on this important issue.’
Notes
Find out more about the Libel Reform Campaign.
For comment or information please contact Pepper Harow on 020 7462 4992
Read more about our work on free speech.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.