Campaigners for the Labour Party recently demanded a referendum on monarchy abolition. Labour for a Republic, a grassroots group affiliated with the party, has also called for the monarchy’s exemption from the Equality Act to be lifted.
The Act protects workers from discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, or disability.
“Over time, we would like to see [a referendum on the monarchy] at some point in the future,” said Ben Clinton, campaign coordinator for Labour for a Republic.
“We would want to see it done through a referendum, but at the moment we are focusing on getting reforms and broad pledges through.
One such reform that the group wants Labour leaders to include in the party’s next manifesto is the repeal of the Royal Family’s Equality Act exemption.
“The Royal Household is exempt from upholding discrimination legislation; it does not apply to them,” Mr Clinton explained.
“Usually, in the workplace you would be protected, but in the Royal Household you can be discriminated against.”
According to the campaigner, every worker, including those employed by the Windsors, deserves to be treated equally.
By taking on the royals over the Equality Act, Labour for a Republic hopes to move workers to the top of the party’s agenda.
Mr Clinton added that it would be “very difficult” to find out if a Royal Household employee had reported discrimination because the monarchy is also exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.
“It shields them, and it really doesn’t help when we’re trying to see a more transparent monarchy,” he said.
According to reports, King Charles was considering a smaller monarchy with fewer working royals.
Two-thirds of Britons (67 percent) believe Britain should retain a monarchy in September 2022, a five-point increase since the Platinum Jubilee in May – only 20% thought we should have an elected president instead.
For the first time in years, Mr Clinton said, a majority of Labour voters would prefer an elected head of state.