Freemasons Launch Legal Challenge Against Metropolitan Police Disclosure Policy
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The Freemasons have filed for an emergency injunction to halt a new Metropolitan Police policy requiring officers to disclose membership in the institution, alleging the directive amounts to unlawful discrimination.
The legal action,filed on Christmas Eve,marks a notable escalation in a long-running debate over the role of Freemasonry within British policing. The Freemasons argue the policy, enacted in December, violates the human rights of its members and is based on unfounded fears of undue influence.
Met Policy Sparks “Religious Discrimination” Claim
The Metropolitan police’s new policy mandates that any officer who is, or has been, a member of a “hierarchical organisation that requires members to support and protect each other” must declare it to their superiors. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley introduced the measure to address perceived conflicts of interest and bolster public trust in the force.
However, the United Grand Lodge of England, the governing body of Freemasons, contends the policy is a breach of basic rights. “They did not have an effective consultation before they announced the policy, which came into immediate effect,” stated Adrian Marsh, the Grand Lodge’s chief executive. “The policy is illegal, unfair and discriminatory. It breaches the human rights of our members.”
The Freemasons are framing their challenge around the argument that membership necessitates religious faith,thereby classifying it as a protected characteristic under human rights law. Marsh emphasized, “The fact you have to have faith to be a Freemason does make it a protected characteristic under human rights law.”
Met Defends Policy Amid Corruption Concerns
the Metropolitan Police is prepared to vigorously defend its position in court. A spokesperson stated the force is “aware of the judicial review launched, challenging our change to the declarable association policy” and will be “defending this.”
The policy change followed a survey indicating that two-thirds of officers and staff supported increased transparency regarding organizational affiliations, believing it would improve public perception of police impartiality. The met also points to historical concerns about potential corruption linked to Masonic membership.
“The changes to our declarable associations policy were made following feedback that involvement in these types of organisations could call impartiality into question or give rise to conflict of loyalties,” the spokesperson added.
A History of Scrutiny and Allegations
The issue of Freemasons within the Metropolitan Police is not new. Previous commissioners have grappled with the question of stricter regulations, often concluding that the potential disruption outweighed the perceived benefits. However, a recent case of alleged wrongdoing within the force, reportedly involving potential Masonic influence, appears to have spurred the current policy shift.
For years, the Met has possessed intelligence suggesting potential corruption stemming from relationships forged through Freemasonry, though these claims have never been substantiated to a criminal standard. The organization’s core tenet of mutual support has fueled accusations of cover-ups and preferential treatment.
the 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel morgan and the subsequent police corruption that hindered the examination brought the issue into sharp focus. The official inquiry into the case recommended tighter rules on Masonic membership within policing, noting that ten officers involved in the investigation were Freemasons. However,the inquiry also found no evidence of corrupt use of Masonic channels in connection with the murder or the investigation itself.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
The Freemasons are seeking an injunction that would temporarily halt the policy’s implementation while a full judicial review is conducted. Marsh anticipates a hearing on the injunction within the next month. If granted, the injunction would pave the way for a comprehensive review of the policy, with the ultimate goal of its complete repeal.
The Police Federation, representing rank-and-file officers, has also voiced strong opposition to the policy, advising members with concerns to discuss them with the Federation.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the relationship between Freemasonry and British policing, potentially reshaping the landscape of transparency and accountability within the Metropolitan Police for years to come.
