United Grand Lodge
of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons
of England


 
Province of
South Wales Eastern Division

News
Report

National Assembly for Wales: 7 Jul 2003 Committee warned of dire consequences if discrimination is not brought to an end The Standards of Conduct Committee of the Welsh Assembly met today for the first time since being reconstituted after the May elections. Significant changes had been made to the membership of the committee since its last meeting on 30 January. Only 3 of the 12 members had served on the previous committee. The new Committee is (* denotes a member of the previous Standards of Conduct Committee): *Kirsty Williams, Brecon and Radnorshire (Chair) Jeff Cuthbert, Caerffili  David Davies, Monmouth  Jocelyn Davies, South Wales East Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey, Preseli Pembrokeshire Sandy Mewies, Delyn *Lynne Neagle, Torfaen  *Gwenda Thomas, Neath Owen John Thomas, South Wales Central Brynle Williams, North Wales Ms Kirsty Williams explained the background to the issue - and provided an insight into the intentions of the previous committee when framing their proposal to the full Assembly.  This had been to assuage what Masons consider to be the irrational and bigoted opinions of some AMs; and at the same time ensure that the Assembly was not left open to legal action by continuing to discriminate against Freemasons. The proposals had narrowly failed to achieve the required two thirds majority. However, she added, it was difficult to see any other solution, which would command more support from the full Assembly. In discussion, the following points were made: In view of the possibility of legal challenge, doing nothing did not appear to be a viable option.  Peter Jones (Legal adviser to the Assembly's Presiding Officer) confirmed that any legal challenge would be likely to be made against the Assembly as a corporate body. Although it was "unlikely", if it was considered that individual Members had been grossly negligent, there was a possibility of an action of malfeasance. Individuals who considered themselves affected by the requirement could bring an action, as could Freemasonry as a body. The proposals recommended by the Committee would have removed the criminal sanction of failing to register membership of the Freemasons. However, failure to register (along with membership of other defined bodies) would have remained subject to the complaints procedure overseen by the Committee. Members agreed that it would be helpful to Committee Members to have sight of all the papers on this issue which had been considered by the previous Committee. The Secretariat would arrange for these to be circulated. The Committee agreed that the registration requirements in respect of Freemasonry should be the Committee's first priority and should be discussed at the next meeting.

The timeline of shame (see below) Editorial Freemasons would prefer that this issue is brought to an acceptable conclusion, without further undue delay, by resolution within the National Assembly for Wales itself. By any standard, we have been very patient; but that patience cannot be limitless. As proud Welshmen and Britons; we are embarrassed that our Assembly should continue to expose itself to international ridicule in this way. The timeline of shame 30 Jan 2003 National Assembly for Wales: Progress .... or filibustering? 13 Nov 2002 Welsh Assembly fails to bring an end to its 'illegal' discrimination 20 Mar 2002 Freemasons applaud first step by Welsh Assembly 18 Mar 2002 Freemasons still await an end to discrimination by Welsh Assembly 12 Dec 2001 'Day of destiny' draws nearer at the Assembly as European Court rules in favour of Freemasonry 4 Apr 2001 Welsh Assembly hears evidence from Freemasons September 2000 We make formal representations in light of the new Human Rights Act 1998 1998 Our then Provincial Grand Master, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Swansea, writes to NAAG objecting to proposed registration requirements