Human rights commission welcomes ‘baptism barrier’ law

The Commission recommended in 2015 and 2016 that the Equal Status Act be amended to give practical effect to the existing right of children to be protected from the so-called “baptism barrier”.

The Commission has used its statutory functions to make consistent recommendations to Oireachtas members on the implications for human rights and equality of the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill.

The Commission also exercised its legal powers in the courts as amicus curiae in the Stokes case to ensure that the children of Travellers, new arrivals to an area, and people with disabilities are not excluded through the use of preferential existing connections-based criteria.

Emily Logan, IHREC chief commissioner, said: “Parents have expressed that they feel under pressure to baptise children in order to access schools.

“The Commission welcomes the proposed amendments, which once enacted in law will see equality in schools’ admissions policies, and ensure that children can have equity of access.”

Ms Logan (pictured) added: “Ireland is a diverse country and that diversity must be reflected in our schools as much as in our society. These proposed amendments set out that discrimination cannot be a systemic feature of our education system.”