A call was made for greater recognition of the right to freedom of religion and belief in evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee on 26 April.
Giving oral evidence to the Committee, Dr Gordon Macdonald said that a duty of reasonable adjustment already exists in relation to disability, and a similar duty should apply in relation to religion and belief in order to protect religious liberties.
Commenting on the Committee’s enquiry, Dr Macdonald said: ‘Religious liberty is beneficial for all communities. The public service and contribution of religious groups to their communities has been remarkable for many years, from running food banks and debt management courses to hustings during elections. However, the right to Freedom of Religion and Belief is not adequately protected when it clashes with other protected characteristics. People find that the manifestation of faith in public is being increasingly restricted in a way that is a significant concern.
Faith is not a hobby
‘Religion or belief cannot be treated as a hobby, which can be picked up or put down. No one should have to choose between their job and their faith, therefore it is imperative that the Scottish Parliament consider promoting reasonable accommodation of religious belief within the public and private sectors.’
He also highlighted the rights of parents, stating that these were enshrined in human rights treaties, but were often neglected by public bodies, as seen by the problems around the Named Person scheme.
