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3 May 1880
Atheist Charles Bradlaugh, newly elected Liberal MP for Northampton, asks to affirm his loyalty in secular terms rather than take the House of Commons religious oath. Although three recent Parliamentary acts give him the right to do this, the speaker refers the question to the Commons. The Liberals are divided: most find atheism repugnant, but they support religious and civil equality, and Gladstone respects Bradlaugh's right to his views. Conservative opposition is whipped up by a group of young MPs led by Lord Randolph Churchill and calling themselves the 'Fourth Party'. They bitterly attack Gladstone's stance, and Bradlaugh is expelled. The case becomes famous. Bradlaugh enters the House of Commons every session and asks to be allowed to affirm or else to take the oath without renouncing his atheism. Each time, Conservatives, Irish Catholics and some Liberal Nonconformists ally to refuse him. He is expelled twice more but re-elected by Northampton voters. He addresses mass rallies, and the Church draws up petitions against him. Gladstone fails in an attempt to legalise affirmation in 1883, but three years later, the new speaker allows Bradlaugh to take the oath in a way that does not betray his lack of belief and he finally enters Parliament. In 1888, the right to affirm becomes law. It is a major step forward, establishing freedom of conscience. |
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