Humanists UK has responded to IMPRESS’ public consultation on proposed changes to its Standards Code and guidance. IMPRESS stands for Independent Monitor for the Press. It regulates over 190 news publications. The proposed changes intend to make the standards code more equitable. But Humanists UK has highlighted the exclusion of the non-religious and called for this to change.
The guidance incorrectly states that the code adopts the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010. But it narrowly states ‘religion’ only as a protected characteristic, while the Equality Act expressly protects ‘religion or belief’. The ‘belief’ part is important because that is what refers to non-religious beliefs, such as humanism. As such, the discrimination clauses of the code and guidance are themselves discriminatory as they privilege the protection of religious people while excluding those who hold non-religious beliefs.
Furthermore, various paragraphs of the guidance also cause problems. IMPRESS’ guidance rightly cites the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 which identifies that the criticism, even ridicule, insult, or abuse of religions or the beliefs and practices of their adherents does not amount to incitement of hatred.
The guidance incorrectly states that the code adopts the protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010. But it narrowly states ‘religion’ only as a protected characteristic, while the Equality Act expressly protects ‘religion or belief’. The ‘belief’ part is important because that is what refers to non-religious beliefs, such as humanism. As such, the discrimination clauses of the code and guidance are themselves discriminatory as they privilege the protection of religious people while excluding those who hold non-religious beliefs.
Furthermore, various paragraphs of the guidance also cause problems. IMPRESS’ guidance rightly cites the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 which identifies that the criticism, even ridicule, insult, or abuse of religions or the beliefs and practices of their adherents does not amount to incitement of hatred.
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