Religion or Belief

More interfaith networks are working hard to build good relations between the different religious communities in the UK at both local and national levels. A mutual understanding and respect between religions is the core aim of most interfaith networks.The majority of people in the UK assert an affiliation to a faith/religion, whether they practice it or not. In England, 3.1 per cent of the population state their religion as Muslim (0.7 per cent in Wales), making this the most common religion after Christianity.

Some religious groups and individuals feel they are discriminated against – whether at work, school or in general society – because of their beliefs. In particular some Muslims have been victims of discrimination and until recently followers of this faith were not protected under the current Race Relations Acts. Recent world events have been seen by many as evidence for a need to ensure that religious belief is afforded equal protection from hatred, to that of race and other equalities groups.

Legislation

The Racial & Religious Hatred Bill 2005 will mean that it will be unlawful for anyone to ‘intentionally’ incite religious hatred by the used of threatening words or behaviour. An amendment to the Bill (which is due to become law) removes terms such as ‘insult’ and ‘abuse’.

As such discussion, criticism, insult, abuse and ridicule of religion, belief or religious practice would not be an offence under law and in theory this limits the scope to prosecute anyone on the grounds of religious hatred as a clear intention will now have to be proven.

The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 make it unlawful to discriminate at work on the basis of a person's religion or belief. For more information visit the DTI website.

In February, the Equality Act (2006) was passed by Parliament.   The Act gives the Government powers to introduce regulations outlawing discrimination on the grounds of Relgion or Belief in regards to access to goods, facilities and services (GFS). The Act is due to come into effect in April 2007. 

For more information on the Equality Act 2006, visit Women and Equality Unit. For more detailed information on the religion or belief legislation vist IDEA website

Regional

For latest information in the South West go to our networks (age, disability, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation and transgender).