The Religion or Belief Regulations 2003 made illegal any discrimination against a person with "any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief".
In Baggs v Fudge a BNP member claimed that fascism was a 'similar philosophical belief' but had his claim struck out because the judge decided that the Law required that a philosophical belief be similar in nature to a religious belief.
Now however a change in the Equality Act will remove the word 'similar' from the definition of those protected against belief discrimination. The link with religion is now broken, so a philosophical belief will therefore in and of itself be sufficient to protect someone from discrimination.
Although all people with strong political views will now most likely be protected, it is likely that BNP members will have the most to gain from this change in the law.
See WorkRep's previous article:- Redfearn about a BNP councillor's failed attempt to regain his job after having been dismissed under Health and Safety Regulations as a risk to customers and staff. Redfearn would most likely now be successful in keeping his job.
On 30th April 2007, Section 77 of the Equality Act 2006 will amend the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 to give effect to the changes mentioned above.
© Workrep 20 / 04 / 2007