Information courtesy of the March Brights Bulletin
The Census gives the official figures about various aspects of the population. Data is used by government both locally and centrally as evidence to back up their policy decisions. If the number of people who appear to be religious is inflated, policies regarding service delivery, equality work and many other areas will be affected. Consequently the results of the 2001 Census were used to justify:
- Increasing in the number of faith schools
- The continuation of collective worship in schools
- The public funding and support of ‘interfaith’ and faith-based organisations above the support offered to faith-free (bright) organisations
- Suggestions of an increase in the role of faith in Britain under the coalition government
- The appointments of government advisors on faith
- Contracting out public services to religious organisations
- Keeping the 26 Bishops in the House of Lords as of right
- Continued high number of hours dedicated to religious broadcasting
- Specific consultation at government and local level with ‘faith communities’ over and above other groups within society
- Continued privileges for religious groups in equality law and other legislation
These measures serve only to divide rather than to unite our society and so, for the sake of your children and theirs, please don't let this happen again - tick the [] No religion option.
