Sharia in the UK: British Humanist Association responds to Archbishop of Canterbury

The British Humanist Association (BHA) has reacted to comments by the Archbishop of Canterbury [http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/1573] that the introduction of sharia law in the UK is ‘inevitable’.

Responding to the comments of the Archbishop, BHA chief executive Hanne Stinson said, ‘Fundamental to the principle of equality before the law that the same rights and processes of law be available to all and this automatically rules out any possibility of delegating the rights of some citizens to unaccountable religious authorities. Singling out certain groups for separate treatment will also surely undermine work towards good relations and social cohesion rather than assist it.’

Notes

For further information or comment, contact Hanne Stinson by email on hanne@humanism.org.uk on 020 7079 3583 or 07764 947249

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief. The BHA was recently involved in a successful international campaign to prevent the introduction of sharia family law for Muslims in Canada.