Humanists UK is dismayed at Reform UK’s announcement that it intends to repeal the Equality Act 2010 if it were to win the next general election. Humanists UK believes the Equality Act is a vital piece of legislation that supports the fair and equal society that humanists strive to achieve. This includes legal protections against discrimination on the grounds of your religion and belief, which cuts across almost all the campaigning work Humanists UK does.
The Equality Act brings together decades of anti-discrimination law by providing protection against unfair treatment on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Act protects workers from harassment, victimisation, or unfair dismissal on grounds of these protected characteristics. For example, it maintains the rights of disabled people who require reasonable adjustment to carry out their jobs, and protects service users from being denied access or treated unfairly.
This proposal is the latest in a series of attempts to roll back legislation that promotes a plural, tolerant, and inclusive society. Last year, Nigel Farage announced that Reform would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as well as several international human rights agreements if it wins the next election. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch also committed to withdrawing from the ECHR, and Labour has called into question how Article 3 (prohibition of torture) and Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) are interpreted in relation to asylum cases. Such moves would weaken human rights protections both at home and abroad.
Humanist UK Policy and Campaigns Manager Laura Newlyn said:
‘The Equality Act is an essential safeguard against discrimination, and it should matter to everyone. Anyone can be subjected to harassment or unfair treatment, but of course, it is the most vulnerable in our society who would be hardest hit by the loss of such a vital piece of legislation. The Equality Act needs to be strengthened, not undermined.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
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Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.