Liberty - Protecting civil liberties, promoting human rights

Liberty welcomes the intention behind some of the reforms contained in this Act. In particular, those relating to judicial diversity and filming and sound-recording in court. Elsewhere we are disappointed to see continued unjustified attacks on due process in the immigration system and a continued trend of granting wide-ranging delegated powers to the Executive.

This Act sees the Coalition fulfil a pledge, made in both party’s manifestos, to address a lack of clarity and balance in our libel laws. The Act builds in additional protection for freedom of expression including specific provision for academic or scientific writing and reporting on matters of public interest whilst retaining protection for certain statements likely to seriously harm the reputation of the claimant

The Justice and Security Bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 28th May 2012. This Act will expand the use of secret evidence to the ordinary civil law, undermining centuries’ old principles of natural and open justice. Liberty opposes this unprecedented encroachment on the Rule of Law.

The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013 legalises same-sex marriage, including in places of worship where a faith group has determined that it wishes to conduct same-sex marital ceremonies. Liberty welcomes this Act as a historic step in the right direction for marriage equality. We are supportive of provisions in the Act which will give those religious denominations which support equal marriage the opportunity to marry gay couples in accordance with their religious beliefs and traditions. While no faith group should be forced to marry a same-sex couple, those that wish to do so should not be prevented. Sadly the Bill does not secure equal pension benefits for civil partners.