"Good Evening, Pagans. Don't forget your goat leggings.
Posted on 06/11/2002 7:22:08 AM PDT by Int
thr 064
UK-Freemasons /WRD/
Masons threaten legal action to keep anonymity
London, June 11, IRNA - Freemasons in Britain are threatening legal
action to prevent the government from forcing its members in the
police and other parts of the country's criminal justice system from
identifying themselves.
The United Grand Lodge, the London headquarters of the secret
brotherhood, has taken legal advice that any plans to make disclosure
compulsory would be discriminatory under Britain's recent Human
Rights Act, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
"We believe we are being singled out in a way that implies there
is something wrong in being a freemason," the Grand Lodge's head of
communications John Hamill was quoted saying.
The British government made disclosure of freemasonry membership
in the police and criminal justice system voluntary in 1979 following
concern in parliament over the role of improper influence by the
secret brotherhood in public life.
But the response to voluntary registration has been slow and the
Home Office has said that it has not ruled out making disclosure
compulsory.
According to the Financial Times, freemasons, who are estimated to
number more than 300,000 in Britain, are encouraged by recent
developments in Wales' devolved assembly following the incorporation
of the European Human Rights Charter into British law.
Next month, the Cardiff-based assembly is due to vote out a
stipulation that its elected members must register whether they are a
freemason before taking office, fearing that it could be open to
challenge under the Human Rights Act.
Hamill was reported to be also masterminding a public relations
exercise to dispel public suspicions about the activities of
freemasons by drawing attention to the non-controversial and
charitable activities undertaken by the brotherhood.
HC/HC
End
::irna 15:58
Ever heard of the right of free association...you freedom-hater
Amen, Brother -- All of that AND which makes Good Men better, too!
The Masons and other "fraternal" organizations are no different than college fraternities. While members may personally benefit through social and professional "networking", most also perform positive and beneficial, charitable functions. Some however, become adolescently obsessed with their bizarre initiation rites and secret rituals, and can develop sinister cult-like behaviour similar to the KKK.
There is no need for government to violate individuals' rights of free association to demand public disclosure of membership roles of these organizations. It's sufficiently humorous to watch the cockroaches scurry when the bright light of a free press shines upon them. There is inherently something hypocritical about those who are reluctant to declare their associations in public, however nobody should be forced to do so.
All Shriners are Masons.
You make MurryMom look intelligent.
Creeker: Uh, this is not an attack on the organization, but a thumbs-up. Sheesh. You people get so defensive about your plans for world domination.
Your food will be delivered hot and fresh in 30 minutes or less, or we commit sepuku. We forge our fries in the spirit of our ancestors.
You are a true gentleman. Ever since my husband Abdullard perished in a Gaza work accident, my life has been spoiled by his male relatives and friends. Little Fatima must sleep with one eye open. These men speak of "love," but I know better.
-- Fatima the Goat.
Legal action? Well, that kinda ruins the mystique a little. YAWN
"Good Evening, Pagans. Don't forget your goat leggings.
As far as you understood it is not far enough.
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