Peter Taylor
Master Mason
Posts: 1946
Registered: Aug 2005 |
 Posted August 27th, 2007 09:20 AM IP   
A landmark Victory for Freemasons The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has handed down a landmark judgment under Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights - prohibition of discrimination - in an application involving public appointments brought by the Grand Orient of Italy.
The decision was taken by six votes to one. Under Article 41 of the Convention, the court held, unanimously, that the finding of a violation constituted sufficient just satisfaction for non-pecuniary damage. They awarded the Grand Orient of Italy 5,000 euros (£3,400) costs and expenses.
The Grand; Orient of Italy, which is recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England, had complained about a law laid down by the Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia regarding rules to be followed for nominations to public offices for which the Region was the appointing authority.
In particular, this law, enacted in February 2000, required candidates for such posts to declare whether they were members of a Masonic or, in any event, a secret association. The absence of a declaration constituted a ground for refusing appointment.
From the Grand Lodge of Scotland
Regards, Peter
PM Lodge Albert 448, PM Lodge Discovery 1789, Provincial Grand Secretary of Forfarshire, Hon. 54, 164, 299, 327, 486; PZ RA Chapter Albert 503, Installed Mark Master, AASR (30th), PMWS Rose Croix, ROoS, KT, KTP, OSM, RCC, RAM, CC, SRIS, Squaremen
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