CORONAVIRUS

Religious burials can still go ahead

RELIGIOUS burials have been protected after MPs passed an amended version of the government’s emergency coronavirus bill.

The bill, subject to a six-month review, gives powers to local authorities to dispose of bodies and allows funeral directors to register deaths.

But it also states that local and national authorities must have regard for “the person’s wishes . . . religion or beliefs, if known”.

It followed calls from MPs and faith leaders, including the Board of Deputies and MP Naz Shah, who raised concerns about respecting religious practices.

The Bradford West MP said she was “relieved that the government listened to what we’ve said about religious burials.”

Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl had said defaulting to cremation could “add to the sorrow of grieving families and go against fundamental freedoms of religion and belief”.

E-MAIL: comment@jewishtelegraph.com


If you have a story or an issue you want us to cover, let us know - in complete confidence - by contacting newsdesk@jewishtelegraph.com, 0161-741 2631 or via Facebook / Twitter


Site developed & maintained by
MICHAEL PAYSDEN/FIREIMAGE
© 2020 Jewish Telegraph
www.JewishTelegraph.com