The continuing practice of holding prayers before council sessions has been described as ‘archaic and outdated’ by the British Humanist Association (BHA) in light of reports of a Christian councillor walking out on council prayers because they were being led by an Imam.

It is customary for many councils to commence their sittings with a prayer session; in this instance, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth had invited a local Muslim preacher to participate.

Councillor Malcolm Hey, a Baptist, left the council chamber because he objected to the non-Christian nature of the prayers, and returned once they were completed. 

Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public affairs said ‘The archaic practice of holding official prayers before council sessions is utterly inappropriate in a diverse society where individuals hold a wide range of beliefs.

‘Religious councillors, like any others, may wish to reflect on their own beliefs, however enforcing sectional religious practices into what should be a neutral civic space is deeply wrong’

Ms Phillips continued: 'Participation in the democratic process is not limited to those of a particular belief, and official prayer sessions of any variety before council meetings are exclusionary, outdated and should be abolished.’ 

Notes

For further information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.

In 2010 Lord Mayor of Leicester, who identifies as a humanist, abolished official prayers before council sessions, considering them an ‘outdated, unnecessary and intrusive practice.’ 

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief.