In its submission to the Commission on a Bill of Rights, the British Humanist Association (BHA) restated its support for the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA), and made clear its firm belief that any Bill of Rights should be in addition to, and build on, the HRA, and certainly not to replace the HRA.
The BHA strongly supports the inclusion of the European Convention on Human Rights in UK law through the HRA, and would oppose any attempt to repeal the Act. We have also welcomed the subsequent legislation which has entrenched the commitment to equalities and rights in particular areas, by prohibiting discrimination on grounds of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender identity and religion or belief.
In 2009, we worked with the Humanist Philosophers on the then-government’s thinking on Rights and Responsibilities, and BHA Vice President, and member of the Humanist Philosophers, Professor Richard Norman drafted a response to the Green Paper on Rights and Responsibilities.
We submitted that response for consideration by the Commission.
The BHA is a member of the Equality and Diversity Forum (EDF) and endorse its submission to the Commission on a Bill of Rights.
Notes
The Commission on a Bill of Rights is an independent Commission established by the Government on 18 March 2011.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.