More than 300 Met officers and staff reveal they are Freemasons or in other hierarchical' societies

"The high court judge wrote in a ruling published on Monday: There is no pressing need for immediate interim relief at this stage, given that some 300 officers and staff have already declared their involvement in masonic and other hierarchical associations. There is no suggestion that the defendant plans to take any disciplinary action against any officer or staff member for not making a declaration in the next few weeks."

"The injunction is being sought by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons, the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons and a fourth party known under the cipher FSK. The court will also decide whether FSK can continue to have anonymity, the ruling says, because the Met claims its involvement with the Freemasons may already be public through appearing on a Facebook posting."

The Metropolitan Police introduced a policy requiring officers and staff to disclose membership of masonic and other hierarchical organisations. Organisations representing Freemasons have launched legal action seeking an injunction, alleging religious discrimination and breaches of human rights law. The applicants include the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons, the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons and a fourth party called FSK. Mr Justice Chamberlain said there was no pressing need for immediate interim relief given that 316 officers and staff have revealed affiliations and no imminent disciplinary action is suggested. The Met agreed to consider representations from masonic groups and the court will decide on FSK's anonymity amid claims its involvement may already be public.

Read at www.theguardian.com