The Humanist Association, which is the largest group representing atheists and non-religious people in the UK, have warned of the consequences of the far right Reform Party's policy of repealing the 2010 Equalities Act if it ever gets to power.

Humanists UK has expressed profound dismay at Reform UK's announcement that it would seek to repeal the Equality Act 2010 if it wins the next general election. The organisation describes the Act as a cornerstone of the fair and equal society that humanists work to build, noting that its protections against discrimination on grounds of religion or belief are fundamental to much of its campaigning work.

The Equality Act consolidated decades of anti-discrimination law into a single statute. It provides legal protections against unfair treatment based on nine 'protected characteristics': age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Act safeguards employees from harassment, victimisation, or unfair dismissal related to these characteristics. It also enshrines rights for disabled people to reasonable adjustments in the workplace and protects individuals from being denied services or treated unfairly by providers.

Humanists UK frames this proposal as part of a wider trend to roll back legislation that fosters a pluralistic and inclusive society. It points to last year's announcement by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage that the party would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and other international human rights agreements. The organisation also notes that Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has committed to leaving the ECHR, while the Labour Party has questioned the interpretation of certain ECHR articles in asylum cases. Humanists UK warns that such moves risk significantly weakening human rights protections both domestically and internationally.

Laura Newlyn, Humanists UK Policy and Campaigns Manager, stated: 'The Equality Act is an essential safeguard against discrimination, and it should matter to everyone. Anyone can be subjected to harassment or unfair treatment, but of course, it is the most vulnerable in our society who would be hardest hit by the loss of such a vital piece of legislation. The Equality Act needs to be strengthened, not undermined.'