"The purpose of such action, and therefore the purpose of the requirement to disclose the information, is the dual one of eliminating the potential for actual bias, where officers discharge their functions improperly, and perceived bias, where there is a perception or suspicion that officers are discharging their functions improperly. Freemasonry explained: a guide to the secretive society In both cases, the requirement is, in my judgment, designed to secure the proper exercise of the functions of a constable'. The contrary is not reasonably arguable."
"Three bodies representing Freemasons in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, as well as two serving police officers who are Freemasons, had sought to take legal action against the force at the high court. It came after the Met announced in December that membership of the Freemasons or similar organisations would be added to its declarable associations policy. This means officers and staff are required to declare membership past or present of any organisation that is hierarchical, has confidential membership and requires members to support and protect each other. About 400 Met officers and staff have already made declarations under the policy."
The Metropolitan Police added Freemasonry and similar organisations to its declarable associations policy, requiring officers and staff to declare past or present membership of hierarchical, confidential organisations that require mutual support. About 400 Met officers and staff have already made declarations. Three representative Freemasonry bodies and two serving police officers sought to bring a legal challenge at the high court. A 17-page ruling found the grounds of the proposed challenge not reasonably arguable and held the policy pursues a legitimate aim of eliminating actual and perceived bias, is proportionate, and is not discriminatory or unduly stigmatising.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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