But surely we can all agree that membership of a legal organisation should not be grounds for refusing employment or dismissal?

Or just the organisations which *we* don’t like?

No matter what his beliefs, imo they should have no place in the health care system.

Not sure what the outcome of this was, but I don’t think he was sacked.

Just trying to find scenarios where belief (political or religious) has come into direct conflict with a persons job.

I see no reason why an individual, any individual, can not acknowledge the rule of law over and above any political (and I include religion in that) affiliation.

Maybe a caveat should be included in contracts for jobs wielding that amount of power.

Do you think your religious or political beliefs will put you at odds with (whatever departments) policy of inclusivity and fairness?

If you tick no and its later you’re found to have breached the guidelines, instant dismissal.

Point taken, but many people are ‘cradle’ religious and pay no heed to the dogma, if they are active at all it is for social/ritualistic/family tradition reasons.

That doesn’t apply to choosing a political party. That is taking a look at their policy and joining on that basis.

True, but do all bnp members actively hate people of a different skin colour? Maybe some are just opposed to immigration as a whole?

Leaving aside the question of whether the immigration service is an appropriate career for someone opposed to immigration as a whole, does BNP membership necessarily imply bigotry and ethnic hatred? I’d say almost always yes. Unless, as Sofia rather brusquely put it, they are seriously stupid. Or incredibly uninformed.

I admit that can happen. I recall a woman who was elected as a BNP councillor having been taken in, who was horrified when she finally worked out who her new chums were, left the party and campaigned against them as an independant.

So, OK. The odd eccentric case might arise. But joining the BNP and the immigration service? Combat 88 is also a bar to employment in the same fields. You join something, you pay a sub and get a card, it’s up to you to know what you have joined.

Conning voters, I’ll agree, may be a different matter.

I’m all for consistency, but it would appear that only white extremism is wrong… Which will fuel resentment in those who already feel hard done by…

I just like looking at stuff from opposing sides, I learn more that way

I agree that the bnp is facist and racist, I don’t believe however that everyone who votes for them is, if that makes any sense?

I could equally say all christians/muslims/jews are Homophobes and bigots if they follow there respective books, but I know that isn’t true IRL.

I think you’d have to be completely stupid to not think that the bnp as a party is completely fascist and racist. Then again if you’re a member that automatically makes you stupid in my book. There also needs to be a separation of bnp sympathisers who are not actually members, and those who have been seduced by their ridiculous propaganda because apparently they form part of the ‘indigenous population’ that is white working class and ignored.

“Certainly, many leaders of religion have a long track record of homophobia and misogyny but by no means do the whole congregation buy into that.”

True, but do all bnp members actively hate people of a different skin colour? Maybe some are just opposed to immigration as a whole?

All of the big 3 religions have a bummer about gays(sorry couldn’t resist)no one can deny that.

So if as you say (And I agree) that the individual doesn’t have to follow every tenet of the faith, why doesn’t that also apply to members of the bnp?

Before I get jumped on, I am playing devils advocate here, There is no compulsion in religion, nor in politics. So I think there is a comparison to be made.

If you follow a belief system that discriminates (and they all do, one way or another) how can you say its wrong for others to do exactly the same thing?

I’m not anti-faith either, as it can bring a lot more happiness to people than voting for the bnp, which would only bring discord.

Muslims/christians/jews are not inherently homophobic. It is entirely possible to be religiously inclined and not be a bigot. Certainly, many leaders of religion have a long track record of homophobia and misogyny but by no means do the whole congregation buy into that.

Choosing to join the BNP is to make an unequivocal declaration of bigotry. To declare a hatred/loathing/hostility towards a specific group should certainly preclude holding a position of power over members of that group.

Oh, and Greenwood. Yes, his comments did have that tell-tale foetid aroma.

If you dislike (or indeed actually hate) Asians and are a member/supporter of the BNP because you agree with their stance on racial matters, perhaps you should just be honest about it and speak your mind.

Have the guts to be honest about your racism. Don’t hide behind politically-correct fabricated nonsense such as “the BNP’s not really racist and neither am I”. Be completely frank and open about your real views; anything less is cowardice.

I have just visited your blog and must admit that I felt like washing my hands clean after reading it.

Tsk tsk.. rookie mistake. I always wear gloves when I go to those sites.

I think its possible to have beliefs, but not act them out in a working environment.

It still sounds a bit wrong to me though.