NEWS
ID cards "a threat" says Kirk
The Church of Scotland has expressed its deep concerns at the government’s identity card proposals.

The Kirk, which recently voted at its General Assembly to ask the government to “reconsider” its plans, has already made clear that it does not believe the case for ID cards has been made, saying the civil liberties questions around them have not been answered. 
Now, a senior spokesperson for the Church has said that there are also increasingly obvious practical reasons why the government’s plans should be abandoned. Morag Mylne, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council commented: “This week, even the Prime Minister has been unable to offer any indication of the cost of the scheme, or how much individuals might be charged for cards. Opposition to ID cards is being heard in more and more quarters, both politically and in the country at large. 
Morag Mylne, convener
“But the objections are not just about cost. The imposition of ID cards represents a particular threat to the vulnerable and socially excluded groups. There are also real practical questions to be answered in Scotland, where it appears people won’t have to produce an identity card to use a hospital, but will to get their pensions. The greatest fear I have about ID cards, however, remains the implication of a fundamental change in the relationship between the individual and the state. The Church would reiterate its view that citizens should not be required to justify themselves to the government in this way, unless they have done something wrong. Otherwise, we risk losing a valuable part of our democracy." 
Ends
Tuesday 28 June 2005
nr/66/06/05