Why support Equal and Free?

Protecting the vulnerable

The suffering of women oppressed by religiously-sanctioned gender discrimination is unacceptable in the UK today.

Promoting the law

The emergence of an alternative quasi-legal system undermines the fundamental principle of one law for all.

In a free society, individuals must be able to organise their affairs according to their own principles, whether religious or otherwise. However, attempting to operate a parallel legal jurisdiction is another matter altogether.

Whilst there are legitimate areas of operation for Sharia councils, concerns remain that some are going well beyond their legal remit. Even when these tribunals are operating legitimately, there is evidence that some are embedding discrimination against women in a way which conflicts with the basic principles of UK law.

Confronting intimidation

Victims of abuse mustn’t avoid seeking professional help just because doing so might be deemed to bring ‘shame’ on their family.

There are particular concerns regarding the consent given prior to Sharia council hearings. Women may be pressured by their families into attending such forums, and refusing to settle a dispute could lead to further threats and intimidation.

The legitimacy of women’s consent to settling disputes informally is therefore open to serious challenge.

Outlining rights

Women in polygamous households or those who have had a religious marriage must be made aware of their legal rights under English law.

As many as 100,000 couples in Britain are estimated to be living in Islamic marriages which are not valid under English law.

Women in such marriages risk being duped into believing they are married under the law of the land, only to find upon divorce they have little to no rights in terms of finance or property.