170.Section 44 defines what is meant by “religion or belief” for the purposes of this Act. Section 44(a) defines “religion” as “any religion”, a broad definition in line with the freedom of religion guaranteed by Article 9 of the ECHR. It includes those religions widely recognised in this country such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Rastafarianism, Baha’is, Zoroastrians and Jains. Equally, denominations or sects within a religion can be considered as a religion or religious belief, such as Catholics or Protestants within Christianity. The main limitation on what constitutes a “religion” for the purposes of Article 9 of the ECHR is that it must have a clear structure and belief system.
171.Section 44(b) defines “belief” as “any religious or philosophical belief”.
172.Section 44(c) and (d) state that “lack of religion” and “lack of belief” are also covered by the phrase “religion or belief”.
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