The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published the results of their largest ever public consultation regarding the day-to-day experience of believers in Britain.
It has shown that many Christians fear their faith is losing its place in society and in particular in their workplace. Christians – the largest group to respond to the consultation – reported that they felt discriminated against when expressing their beliefs at work.
Dr Don Horrocks, head of public affairs at the Evangelical Alliance, commented: ‘We warmly welcome the new constructive tone from the Commission and that they finally seem to be trying to take religion and belief seriously. This comes after many years of largely ignoring Christians and actually opposing their concerns in the courts.
‘However, there remains a clear reluctance to tackle infringement of freedom of conscience and the emergent hierarchy of human rights, which has left people of faith firmly at the bottom.’
The survey demonstrates both widespread misunderstanding about equality legislation and evidence of intimidation, abuse, hostility and discrimination against religious people, which would not be tolerated for other protected rights.
Fairness required
Dr Horrocks continued: ‘When rights conflict, the test of equality legislation is whether it results in genuinely fair outcomes for everyone. If one group of protected rights is consistently trumped by others, then equality is not working. Equality is important, but must be expressed fairly.’
There were accounts of positive experiences of those employers who adopt an enlightened and consultative approach to applying equality and diversity frameworks which are inclusive of people of faith. Good relations and mediation is always a better approach than narrow-minded or ideological confrontation that ends up in the courtroom.
It is hoped the EHRC, together with the government, will listen carefully to the pressing need to clarify the law. A way must be found that enables diverse views to coexist peacefully and respectfully and does not force people into denying their identities.
