The BHA has today welcomed news that the libel case against scientist Simon Singh which was being brought by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has been dropped. The BCA look legal action after Dr Singh wrote an article in The Guardian newspaper criticising various claims made about the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment. This morning, the BCA served a Notice of Discontinuance effectively ending the long running case.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, stated, ‘We have been a long running supporter of Simon and his landmark case as part of our work on freedom of speech. Scientists must be able to discuss openly medical practices, including criticising those with which they are concerned, without the fear of legal action.
‘Although this case is now over, the need for libel law reform is still very great as other scientists, journalists and even human rights campaigners are being put at risk of censorship. The BHA will continue to work on this issue to highlight these concerns.’
Notes
Read about the BHA’s support here, here and here.
Read more about the BHA’s work on freedom of speech.
For information or comment please contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing the interests of the large and growing population of ethically concerned, non-religious people living in the UK.