Only some beliefs count

Published on Wednesday 30 July 2008 21:08

Whether it's bangles at school or crosses in the workplace, sexual orientation regulations or human embryology, the case involving a Sikh schoolgirl (your report, 30 July) brings into focus yet again the situation whereby some people's beliefs are deemed to be worthy of special treatment under UK law just because those beliefs are grounded in religion. We all hold passionate beliefs and deep convictions, but only those who claim "it's my religion" have their beliefs g

We need an explanation from government and the courts as to why they hold belief in a god in higher esteem than any other kind of passionately held belief. This is all the more urgent since, as a result of the Sikh schoolgirl case, every other girl in that school has now become a victim of discrimination on grounds of belief, even though wearing a bangle might be every bit as important to them as it is to Ms Singh.

ALISTAIR McBAY

National Secular Society

Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh