UK Court Rejects Freemasons‘ Challenge to Police Disclosure Policy
February 26, 2017 – A UK court on Tuesday dismissed a legal challenge brought by the Freemasons against a new policy requiring London police officers to declare membership in the organization.
In a 17-page judgment delivered at the High Court in London, Judge Martin Chamberlain ruled that the metropolitan Police’s policy “serves a legitimate aim, maintaining and enhancing public trust in policing, and is proportionate.” He steadfast that the grounds for the challenge were not “reasonably arguable” and that the policy was neither discriminatory nor “unduly stigmatising” towards Freemasons.
The judge denied permission for the claimants to seek a judicial review and refused to grant an interim order suspending the disclosure requirement.
The challenge was filed by the United Grand Lodge of England, the Order of Women Freemasons, the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, and two serving Metropolitan Police officers.
The policy, introduced in December, mandates that all officers and staff disclose whether they are currently or have previously been members of the freemasons.
The Metropolitan Police implemented the policy to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest and to ensure clarity within the force. The Freemasons argued the policy was discriminatory and violated their members’ rights to privacy and association. However, the court disagreed, upholding the police’s right to ensure public trust and accountability.