The Metropolitan Police’s decision to compel officers and staff to disclose whether they are, or have ever been, Freemasons is being challenged in the High Court, with critics warning it could amount to the creation of a discriminatory “black list.”
The policy, introduced in December as part of the Met’s declarable associations rules, requires personnel to declare past or present membership of any organisation considered hierarchical, confidential in nature, and requiring members to support one another.
More than 300 Met officers and staff have already reported links to the Freemasons or similar groups.
Two serving officers who are Freemasons, alongside three major Masonic bodies representing members across England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, are seeking to bring legal action against the force. They argue the measure infringes on members’ rights and is driven by perception rather than evidence.
At the hearing, counsel for the Freemasons said the Met’s approach risked stigmatising members and could be compared to compiling lists based on religion or belief. They also claimed the decision reflected long-standing prejudices and conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry.
Lawyers for the Met have asked the court to dismiss the challenge, calling it “not arguable,” while the claimants are also seeking a temporary suspension of the policy pending a full hearing.
