Religion, law and the constitution
Balancing beliefs in Britain
“We expect politicians to be leaders and to encourage us to do great things, but what happens is that politicians actually follow. They listen to focus groups because they want votes, so they’re actually listening to the common denominator which is often rather unattractive. They’re not listening to great souls who challenge the way we behave and are visionaries.”
“I think that what is needed is a greater interfaith element, bringing together people of different faiths in connection with law and society. That would help us to become a more just society, one which is not necessarily more homogeneous in that everyone is doing the same thing, but one which is more inter-linked so that everyone feels that they have the same sort of stake in it.”
“I wouldn’t have a problem with the government saying that there was a role for faith groups to appoint representatives to either a consultative or decision-making chamber. I don’t have a problem with a role for faith in government, I have a problem with only having a role for one faith. “
“Terrorism being used an excuse for the suspension of human rights is a very worrying development. Detention without trial, increased use of surveillance; prevention strategies that are clumsy at best and Islamophobic at worst – all of these contribute to the problem, not solve it. “
“Generally speaking, I am happy with the legal framework. There are obviously laws with regard to equality issues, which I would like strengthened, but I think that’s probably more in terms of the way the law is interpreted or implemented… rather than the legislation itself. “
“Human rights are almost the essence of Humanism. It unreservedly embraces the idea of human rights. This is the only life we have and humanists feel that the best approach to life is to make it good for everyone and human rights are an important part of that. “
“My philosophical outlook is based on my life experiences as a human being and science and my concern for human rights and for the environment and for the golden rule – treat others as you’d have them treat you – a sentiment that has a long history, much longer than Christianity.”
“I don’t have any issues identifying as humanist. I’ve never experienced any social backlash, other than from people who think that you identify as humanist to avoid identifying as feminist.”
“I think that overall British society compared to other parts of the world is more open and democratic, is more accepting of different races and cultures. We have problems of course we do, but if you compare the UK to many European countries, to North America, China and the developing nations like India, I think that we have many things to be proud of. “
“What we need in our society is caring and compassionate MPs and a proper understanding of what we need as human beings and to fight on our behalf. In the past we have been dominated by upper class men, but I don’t think it is doing anyone a favour when we set up quotas. I think you need the right people. If you do, they will be good representatives, but if you don’t have the right education, there will be barriers for many people. We must try to take away those barriers. “
“For lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people, the law is equal but that doesn’t mean that they experience equality at all times. They still experience discrimination and social prejudice, which affects their abilities to live like heterosexual people do. So, I think the law is equal, but not the social reality.”
“Although Parliament is the elected body and the law is supposed to be for the good of all, sometimes the way the laws are made is perhaps to the detriment of the whole or part of the community out of emotion rather than logic, and that is where the judicial rulings can make a difference.”
“I think the most important thing that must be done in this country at grassroots level, not from the top but in local areas, is to encourage religious communities not to be distrustful of other communities. They must tolerate others at least and if possible, engage in dialogue and find things in common, work together.”
“We are so lucky to live in a country which is tolerant or all faiths and none, and is not prescriptive about what individuals should believe. Our society tolerates and welcomes all different beliefs and none.”
“If you believe that God is beyond perception and we all have our own quest then that’s all right. So there isn’t a faith which I believe is the right or the correct faith, I think that people of faith are on the same quest.”
“I think sometimes it is difficult to have a point of view, particular about religion, without being labelled as somebody who is bigoted or prejudiced in some way.”
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