Freemasonry is viewed with distrust even in some modern democracies.Hodapp, Christopher. Freemasons for Dummies. Indianapolis: Wiley, 2005. p. 86. In the UK, Masons working in the justice system, such as judges and police officers, were required to disclose their membership from 1999 to 2009.Bright, Martin (12 June 2005). "MPs told to declare links to Masons", The Guardian While a parliamentary inquiry found that there had been no evidence of wrongdoing, the government believed that Masons' potential loyalties to support fellow Masons should be transparent to the public.Cusick, James (27 December 1996). Police want judges and MPs to reveal Masonic links too, The Independent The policy of requiring a declaration of masonic membership by applicants for judicial office (judges and magistrates) was ended in 2009 by Justice Secretary Jack Straw (who had initiated the requirement in the 1990s). Straw stated that the rule was considered disproportionate since no impropriety or malpractice had been shown as a result of judges being Freemasons.
Freemasonry is viewed with distrust even in some modern democraciesHodapp Christopher Freemasons for Dummies Indianapolis Wiley 2005 p 86 In the UK Masons working in the justice system such as judges and police officers were required to disclose their membership from 1999 to 2009Bright Martin (12 June 2005) "MPs told to declare links to Masons" The Guardian While a parliamentary inquiry found that there had been no evidence of wrongdoing the government believed that Masons' potential loyalties to support fellow Masons should be transparent to the publicCusick James (27 December 1996) Police want judges and MPs to reveal Masonic links too The Independent The policy of requiring a declaration of masonic membership by applicants for judicial office (judges and magistrates) was ended in 2009 by Justice Secretary Jack Straw (who had initiated the requirement in the 1990s) Straw stated that the rule was considered disproportionate since no impropriety or malpractice had been shown as a result of judges being Freemasons