The charity René Cassin – ‘the Jewish voice for human rights’ – is calling on MPs to vote against the government’s proposed Bill of Rights, which was due to receive its second reading in the House of Commons on Monday 12 September.
In its briefing for MPs, René Cassin concludes that the Bill:
- reduces rights instead of enhancing them
- weakens the ability of ordinary people to challenge decisions made by public authorities
- undermines a legacy that needs to be upheld
The briefing goes on to recommend that MPs vote against the Bill of Rights.
Explaining this recommendation, Mia Hasenson-Gross, René Cassin’s Executive Director says: “The so-called Bill of Rights actually reduces people’s rights. In particular, it reduces the rights of those who need them most.
“It results in marginalisation, threatens the right to freedom of religion, and prevents human rights law keeping up to date with current social mores. All these aspects have a resonance for the Jewish community, particularly through the lived experience and history of past persecution and genocide.
“We urge MPs to vote against this regressive Bill.”