Law Weblog

No impropriety by Freemason judges

Masonic symbol, God and compass

There will no longer be a need for anyone applying to be a judge or a magistrate to declare if they belong to the Freemasonry. To continue the practice would be “disproportionate” because no impropriety has been identified since 1998.

There are existing safeguards that help support the proper performance of judicial functions, including the judicial oath and an official complaints procedure.

In two cases at the European court of human rights Italian Freemasons successfully argued it was discriminatory to be asked to declare membership of a non-secret society.
Article in the Guardian, here.