UK High Court Upholds Met Police Freemasonry Disclosure

A United Kingdom===High Court of Justice judge, Mr Justice Chamberlain, has dismissed a legal challenge brought by Freemasonry bodies, including the United Grand Lodge of England, against the United Kingdom===Metropolitan Police's policy requiring officers and staff to declare their past or present membership in Freemasonry or similar organizations. The court ruled that the policy serves a legitimate aim of maintaining and enhancing public trust in policing and is proportionate. The United Kingdom===Metropolitan Police introduced this policy in December, following concerns about potential bias and conflicts of loyalty, with approximately 400 officers already making declarations. The claimants argued the policy was discriminatory and created a 'blacklist', breaching human rights, but the court found these grounds not 'reasonably arguable'. Commander Simon Messinger welcomed the judgment, emphasizing the importance of public confidence in investigations, while Adrian Marsh of the United Grand Lodge of England expressed disappointment, citing an obligation to protect members from discrimination.