The British Humanist Association (BHA) held a successful joint fringe event with the Humanist and Secularist Liberal Democrats (HSLD) yesterday evening entitled ‘A place for Bishops in a reformed House of Lords?’ It explored the question of what role, if any, the ‘Lords Spiritual’ should play in a reformed upper chamber. The event was chaired by Arnie Gibbons, and featured BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson, Lord Palmer of Childs Hill and Dr Evan Harris as speakers.
Earlier this year the BHA organised the Holy Redundant campaign, which called for the removal of Bishops from Parliament. We called on our supporters to e-mail their MPs and Nick Clegg to urge them to support the removal of the Bishops, and thousands responded. The e-mails certainly ensured our voice was heard, and pushed the role of the Bishops onto the political agenda. Mark Harper MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Cabinet Office, revealed on 23 May that of all the letters received by the Government on Lords Reform, the majority had concerned the Bishops. The Government’s intention of retaining the Bishops was also heavily criticised during Parliamentary debate in July, with one in every five speakers referring to ending the role of the Lords Spiritual in a reformed House.
Arnie Gibbons, former chair of HSLD, opened the discussion by commenting that HSLD will continue to argue against the presence of Bishops in Parliament despite there being no Bill at present, as it is an unfair form of religious privilege which should have no place in a democratic society.
Andrew Copson went on to say that in a modern society which is both multi-faith and increasingly non-religious, it is not right that seats should be reserved in Parliament for one branch of one particular religion. Having guaranteed seats for the Bishops is unfair, unpopular and certainly unjustified.
Dr Evan Harris argued against retaining bishops stating ‘If we accept Britain is a Christian country, why reserve bishops? We could also then argue that Britain is white and heterosexual. If we want representatives- why not just elect them?’
Lord Palmer offered a perspective as a peer and an orthodox Jew. He argued that there is a place for religions in the House of Lords but not for reserved bishops.
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For further comment or information contact Pavan Dhaliwal, Head of Public Affairs at pavan@humanists.uk or on 0773 843 5059.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of ethically concerned, non-religious people in the UK. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief, and for a secular state.