Religion or Belief Legislation

[LondonLoves]

I think it's easy to answer this question,

If we look at other locations around our world, primarily countries where freedom of belief / from discrimination is not upheld, we see the issues that arise. Minorities being persecuted by the mainstream, I think we can all probably draw more than handfull of examples from memory ... In short the legislation should be there but hopefully applied in a logical and pragmatic manner.

I wonder (and in no way am I asserting that i'm correct -- education and evolving thought, it seems, is a lifelong process: indeed, I often have trouble organising my thoughts into something cohesive) whether there is a confusion here between religion and race? Further, could it be possible that this legislation grants rights above and beyond the freedom of a citizen to hold a particular view, religion or belief?

My focus with regard to religious discrimination generally centres around the choice someone has in determining their religion. Although it is true that often religion and race are overlapping -- An Iranian is more likely to be a Muslim than a Christian -- i do believe that a division can be drawn between, say, nationality ('race') and religious bent. The protection of minorities can surely be achieved through protection from discriminations on the grounds of race, rather than religion?

With regard to 'protecting minorities from persecution', the UK law does not prohibit someone from enjoying any religion they wish -- hell, even holocaust denial isn't illegal. The Human Rights Act grants the right to religious gathering and association. So how far do religions need to be further protected? Note, also, that this legislation doesn't merely protect minority religions, but all religions. The head of state in the UK (the Queen) is also the head of the Church of England. As much as Iran is a Muslim state, so the UK is a Christian one. Does protection from discrimination on the grounds of Religion really protect minorities?

The overreaching arch to my thoughts is with regard to religion being a 'choice'. If someone's choice does not accord with my choice then should I be able to discriminate on those grounds? What if (as an employer) I believe that belief in invisible beings is tantamount to insanity? What if I object to someone believing I am an infidel and should burn in hell, or any of the other delights encapsulated in the Koran?

Again, i am completely open minded about this (hell, my girlfriend is a Muslim -- i'll kill the fool that treats her wrong) and not in the "I'm an open minded Christian here to talk about evolution but i'm going to reject everything you say" 'open minded' way. Indeed, Tiberius's post has given lots of clarity to my thoughts and I believe that is the germ of the correct thought on the subject.