{"id":1978,"date":"2017-07-17T15:33:38","date_gmt":"2017-07-17T14:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/religion-law-and-the-constitution\/?p=1978"},"modified":"2025-12-04T13:04:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T13:04:41","slug":"grace-hatley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/religion-law-and-the-constitution\/2017\/07\/17\/grace-hatley\/","title":{"rendered":"Grace Hatley"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"GraceHow would you describe your identity and beliefs in terms of religion?<\/h2>\n

I would describe myself as not having any beliefs. I wouldn\u2019t say I am an Atheist, that\u2019s a strong word, but growing up I haven\u2019t followed any religion. I always thought that maybe I like the idea of certain beliefs, but I don\u2019t follow any of them. So, I think there are lots of things in people\u2019s lives that bring them to believe. For instance, a friend of mine\u2019s father was running, fell to the ground, and in a state of shock and heard \u2018believe in me\u2019, and for them, it is going to church\u2026 but for me it is outrageous to follow anything that are to me like stories\u2026 and I have faith in things, but not necessarily in a particular religion. I regard myself as an Agnostic.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t brought up in any religion. My grandmothers were baptised but my mum decided that if I wanted to be I had to make that decision, which should come from me when I was older. Then I decided it was not for me. I went to church when I was younger for things like guides. I don\u2019t have any strong hatred towards that kind of thing, but I never felt connected to it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is GB an equal and tolerant society, especially in relation to religion and belief?<\/h2>\n

In some respects, Great Britain is a tolerant and equal society in relation to religion and belief. People have the right to have whatever religion they want and that makes them equal, but I think there are some people who don\u2019t tolerate, I don\u2019t know how to word this, I can\u2019t think of the word, other people\u2019s beliefs. I think there are still lots of prejudices in modern society. There are prejudices against Muslims and people like that, they come from things like immigration. I am not part of that prejudice, but some people struggle to be equal and there are many narrow-minded people in our society.<\/p>\n

I think being an Agnostic is easier probably than having a strong belief in this society. I don\u2019t really know lots of people who have strong beliefs. I think it is probably easier sometimes, maybe, to have non beliefs. I haven\u2019t come across any struggles, but as I said, I am not a prejudiced person myself. If I thought very strongly I would probably face some prejudice myself.<\/p>\n

It is hard because there are no structures or roles which I have to follow as an Agnostic\u2026 I think, I kind of have realistic views of all faiths\u2026 that can be my contribution. As I know, a lot of people have very strong views about their own faiths and they become isolated and narrow minded, and I think I can incorporate more different views and opinions in my day to day life, in different situations and scenarios. I don\u2019t know if this is the right thing to say!<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t want to come across as na\u00efve or that I don\u2019t have any opinions. I think probably certain things don\u2019t crop up in the media with regard to having to police things\u2026 we hear about the same problems all the time. I suppose only extremist views get attention. I think public authorities do their best at the moment. I think there is a lack of knowledge for a lot of people. One of my exes wanted to know everything that was going on politically and he used to watch horrible things, because he didn\u2019t want to be na\u00efve. I don\u2019t think there is enough knowledge about how public authorities deal with the situation and the media don\u2019t help much anyway.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about faith schools?<\/h2>\n

I think the structure certainly worked for me. My parents did their upmost in my education, but obviously it is down to each individual family. My brother, who is older, got bad grades and he sought help elsewhere, with his teachers. They taught him at lunch time and he improved significantly. I think the system works well, it is left to parents\u2026 Maybe it is ok to be told off at times, because you are not necessarily pushing yourself! I don\u2019t think the model needs big changes. My mum always pushed me to get English at A level, just in case\u2026 She pushed me to get English, just in case. I don\u2019t think children always know what is best for them.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t know some faith schools are funded by taxpayers. I never went to religious schools. \u00a0I think integration is very important. I went to a state school. It prepares you for day to day life. I was really interested in RE when I was younger. I have good memories of it, but I don\u2019t remember anything, which is very bad. But I remember I enjoyed it then. It would have been interesting to have all different views in the class and not only one side, which was not exactly like brainwashing, but you wouldn\u2019t get necessarily all different points of view.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Should religious businesses be allowed exemptions from discrimination law?<\/h2>\n

I feel I am quite a liberal person and every person should be entitled to have their sexual orientation recognised, but at the same time that couple was running their own business\u2026 I wouldn\u2019t want to stay there if I were part of the gay couple. I would stay somewhere else. I think it is an age difference\u2026 It is very modern, we live in a liberal society at the moment and for people my age, sexuality is not an issue. I grow in a society where it is nice to be who you are, and of course other people may not be comfortable. I don\u2019t know if the decision was the right decision\u2026 it was their business, but in terms of my belief, I would say it was right, but in business terms, they have the right to run it.<\/p>\n

Is living in a democracy a positive thing?<\/h2>\n

Democracy is a good thing. Places without democracy scare me. I think we are very lucky.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you feel that you have a duty to vote?<\/h2>\n

I have never ever voted, because I have always felt I didn\u2019t have much to contribute, but I have come to realise it should be a much bigger deal in schools. I have never been hugely interested in Politics, but I realise this is a very na\u00efve thing to say, as it affects your whole life. So, I am becoming aware of the voting system and we need to do more research. Some of my friends have gone to the polling station, spoiling the vote, just to make a point\u2026. Have they really contributed? I don\u2019t know!<\/p>\n

I now feel morally compelled to vote. It comes with age, because I realise what people have sacrificed to get this right. My mum is the same. She never voted, but then I tell her \u2018this is really bad\u2019. People died for the right to vote. It is very bad, we need to vote.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is it hard for some people to participate in our democracy?<\/h2>\n

I think there are probably barriers for some people. The majority rule is good, when it came to the referendum, I was scared about what the result was going to be\u2026 an independent Scotland\u2026 it can segregate certain minorities which feel they won\u2019t have their say.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is it a problem that members of the House of Lords aren\u2019t elected?<\/h2>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter that the members of the HofL have not been elected. They have been appointed on the grounds of their merits.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about bishops in the House of Lords?<\/h2>\n

Bishops in the HofL? It is weird to me that in a modern society, with so many different beliefs, we only have bishops of the CofE in Parliament. I know there is moral value that comes from Christianity, which is good, but I don\u2019t think they necessarily speak for everybody.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Should Parliament have the final say in making law? Should judges be able to strike down laws?<\/h2>\n

I have never thought about the relationship between Parliament and the judiciary, but it strikes me that their views (judiciary) should be acknowledged. I don\u2019t know if they should have power to strike down legislation, to be honest. This is a tricky question.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about devolution?<\/h2>\n

I like that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have a degree of autonomy. I think they bring a lot to the table, and I don\u2019t want to lose their contribution. I am happy for them to make certain decisions in some areas, but I like they are part of the UK. I don\u2019t understand why London has to be the epicentre. I am 100% comfortable with devolution.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are your beliefs respected by public authorities?<\/h2>\n

I think, because we don\u2019t have strong opinions on religion, it is not like asking the same question to Christians. There is not a lot of it which is shared\u2026 unfortunately\u2026 that sounds unworthy\u2026 I don\u2019t understand labels. I don\u2019t get it. I don\u2019t ever call myself an Agnostic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are our judges sufficiently independent?<\/h2>\n

My perception is that our judiciary are independent. I trust our judges. I have never had to go to the court, but if I had to go, I feel they would treat me fairly.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you feel that your views are represented in public life?<\/h2>\n

I have never felt left out as an Agnostic. I think with the path I have decided to go down, acting and performing, it is almost better to be Agnostic, because there are so many, many religions\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How should we respond to challenges to freedom of expression?<\/h2>\n

I certainly think that offending people must be definitely taken into account. There must be some censorship to an extent. It is common sense. I am happy and proud to have freedom of speech, but there are times in which it can be offensive. It is down to that particular person, who must know the boundaries\u2026 but not everybody does. \u00a0I am not talking about the legal domain though. From a legal point of view, if you are going to find something offensive don\u2019t go and watch it, but that play must go ahead. There are always going to be conflicts and arguments, but that does not mean\u2026 it is important that people have their right to voice their opinions. So, the limits are social, not legal. The legal dimension only comes when there are dangers or threats.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is important to you always to act within the state law?<\/h2>\n

I have never thought of a scenario in which I have felt morally bound to breach the law. I can imagine there may be times in which I could feel it\u2026 I am on a plane, and then we discover\u2026 I feel strongly about things like taxes\u2026 I am waitress\u2026 why does it have to be taxed? I could think\u2026\u00a0 I don\u2019t feel very strongly about this now, but if I did, maybe there may be a time in which I would feel bound to infringe the law. Not now really.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you feel that you have a duty to speak out on behalf of others?<\/h2>\n

I don\u2019t feel I have the power to speak on behalf of the vulnerable of our society. Not that I wouldn\u2019t. I feel very willing\u2026 but I don\u2019t think I have a daily duty. I have done it at times, being part of charities, etc\u2026 Acting for homeless people and things like that. I wondered how I could maximise my skills to help other people. As I love cooking, I thought I could do that and prepare some soup. I would love to do more, but I think in our society we get lots of requests by people\u2026 I think I am good at the personal level, on a one to one basis.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is the Rule of Law applied equally? Do some groups receive preferential or prejudicial treatment?<\/h2>\n

I don\u2019t think everyone is on an equal footing in Great Britain. The status in society\u2026 celebrity status and things like that. There is no way people on an equal footing, and when it comes to religion, I think there may be some sort of discrimination, just because certain people\u2019s perception of religion is distorted and there can be discrimination. I have never come across that myself. So, it is difficult to say, but I guess there is discrimination. It is a shame.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you feel about the increase in police powers over the last 15 year or so?<\/h2>\n

The police can become invasive. They could be a sort of a threat, but in some scenarios, they can be necessary\u2026 I feel I am sitting on the fence in this interview all the time, but it is probably because I am still making up my mind.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are there any legal changes you would like to see?<\/h2>\n

Minimum contract hours\u2026 minimum wage\u2026 I would like to see those changed\u2026. Something else? Those come to my mind.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is there anything which you would like to add?<\/h2>\n

This has been a very thought-provoking interview, but I am a very indecisive person and I haven\u2019t had enough life experience, I guess. I don\u2019t have strong views about many matters so far.<\/p>\n

You haven\u2019t covered the new religions which are coming up, like Scientology and things like that\u2026 and how they affect people. They will become increasingly important.<\/p>\n

\n

Grace is currently working in the hospitality industry but also has a modelling career, having completed a university degree in Performing Arts.\u00a0 She is very interested in music, theatre, film and comedy and loves to cook.<\/p>\n

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Related<\/h1>\n

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Wendy Huggett<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
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