ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns the change that the Human Rights Act, 1998, may make, or be perceived to make, in British constitutional law and in a secular society. The 1998 Act is based upon a philosophical view of ethical values which can, in itself, be seen as a religious point of view and which is, in any event, based upon a particular theology. Religious minorities (if that is not a tautology in such a society) are given permission, if not encouragement, to seek a hearing in courts that they have not previously had. The context in which this is taking place is one of change in society and in the legislature. Religions, or religious communities and individuals, thus become actors and indicators of change. Simultaneously, discourses about rights have considerable potential to effect change among and within religions in this context.
