Creating a fairer Britain
15 February 2010
British National Party members have voted to make changes to the party’s membership policies at an EGM held on Sunday 14 February 2010. The changes to the party’s constitution have been made in response to a court order following legal action taken by the Commission. The Commission argues that the BNP’s membership policies breach the Race Relations Act.
John Wadham, Group Director Legal, for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said:
"We haven't yet seen what the changes are, but hope that the BNP's revised membership policy is no longer discriminatory. We're expecting to see a copy of the policy on Tuesday, which is the deadline set by the court. When we've received this we will consider our position ahead of the next court hearing on 9th March."
Ends
For more press information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission media office on 020 3117 0255, out of hours 07767 272 818.
For general enquiries please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s national helpline: England 0845 604 6610 / Scotland 0845 604 5510 / Wales 0845 604 8810
Read our previous statements on the BNP in January and October.
The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.