INFLUENCE OF FAITH GROUPS ON GOVERNMENT

Motion Text

That this House questions the need for a Faith Communities Liaison Group, with the remit to `lay the foundations for the effective long-term involvement of the faith communities perspectives and needs in policy development across Government', given that faith communities already have the same rights as others to respond to public consultations, to seek to influence public policy, to initiate contacts with Government, and to lobby honourable Members and Ministers; notes that people with no religious beliefs are the second largest faith group shown in the recent census figures, but are generally excluded from Government meetings with faith groups; and concurs with the British Humanist Association that allowing faith groups disproportionately to influence the Government in this way is undemocratic and discriminatory and can help to perpetuate the erroneous idea that religions have a monopoly on moral values or social concerns.