The HAI contend that all draft legislation should be proofed for its potential discrimination against the non-religious sector, along the lines of existing proofing for effects on women and on poverty. Where proposed legislation is likely to cause difficulties or hardship for a minority, in this case the non-religious, there should be consultation with relevant organisations.

In 2018, the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act removed the so-called ‘Baptism Barrier’ in primary schools which allowed discrimination on religious belief grounds.

Non-denominational families can now access local oversubscribed schools and must be treated the same as other families during the application process, regardless of religious beliefs.

However, the reality for many non-religious families is that there is a distinct lack of choice of school in their locality.  Because of this many parents are forced to send their children to schools of a particular religious denomination whose ethos does not conform to their own.

The HAI believes that the divestment of schools from religious patronage should be accelerated.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) should be asked to restructure the religious education curriculum to ensure that students are given the opportunity to critically evaluate all religious and non-religious belief systems from an ethical education perspective.  

The objective should be to respect all children equally regardless of social, cultural or religious backgrounds thereby ensuring that no child ever experiences a sense of isolation or otherness.

The HAI believes that religious instruction should not form part of the school curriculum in any state-run school.

Section 12 of this Act allows training colleges for primary teachers to discriminate in their admissions policy on religious grounds. Accordingly, this permitted discrimination is an unacceptable departure from normal equality standards.

Section 37 of the same Act allows hospitals and schools to discriminate on the grounds of religion in employment.

Under Section 111, concerning the right to vote, a returning officer or presiding officer may, in certain circumstances, administer an oath or affirmation to establish the identity of the person wishing to vote 

The HAI contend that no citizen should have to make any statement to any state official about his or her religious beliefs.

The Electoral Act 1997 regulates funding of election candidates and political parties by prohibiting them from accepting certain donations.

However, since 2001, these same restrictions apply to all organisations deemed to be involved in so-called “political purposes”. 

The law defines “political purposes” very broadly and encompasses human rights and social justice work. 

The HAI contend that the Electoral Act 1997 needs to be amended in order to treat elections and referendums separately from the more general advocacy work of civil society organisations – advocacy which should be encouraged and supported.