Target: Baron McFall of Alcluith, Lord Speaker of UK Parliament
Goal: Stop hunters from attaining protected ethnic minority status that would shield them from protest and criticism.
A group of hunters in the United Kingdom (UK) are trying to compare themselves to historically oppressed minorities. Hunting Kind, an organization that focuses on fox hunting, is preparing to seek legal status as a protected ethnic minority group in the UK. If successful, they could be shielded from any campaigns mounted by animal welfare activists.
The case would exploit language in the UK’s Equality Act that states an ethnic group is comprised of individuals with a shared history and protected beliefs. The group would also argue that it has “suffered” discrimination from activists concerned about the impact of hunting on animal conservation efforts. As a protected group, hunters could essentially proceed with hunts, fundraising activities, and other events unchecked, as activists would have their hands tied in trying to stop or raise awareness about any hunting-related activity.
Sign the petition below to urge lawmakers to clarify a law being exploited as a legal loophole for special interests.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Lord Speaker,
The hunting lobby is exploring options to seek legal status as a protected minority group under the Equality Act. This act was passed in 2010 as a landmark anti-discrimination law that brought long-overdue safeguards to people targeted in the workplace, in public services, and in other venues because of their minority status. Using the pain and struggles of actual marginalized groups to silence dissenters is unconscionable.
Please do not allow any organization to make a mockery of this important law. Let the debate about hunting and animal conservation continue without obstruction. Amend and strengthen the Equality Act so that it will never be corrupted by selfish, self-promoting interests.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko
