The BNP has been given an unprecedented warning that it could face a legal injunction for racism unless it changes its rules within the next month.
The far-right party, which now has two seats in the European Parliament, has been warned it must take action to alter how it operates internally and externally.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission demanded it addressed its constitution, membership criteria, employment practices and provision of services to the public.
It has called for written undertakings by July 20 that the set-up will be changed, amid fears the party could be discriminating on the ground of race and colour.
The intervention is believed to be the first time the EHRC has threatened such legal action, which could lead to fines or even possible imprisonment.
Enough is enough some would say when fed up with all the BS, but now being forced to embrace a doctrine and a dogma? The doctrine of Diversity…
Under its current criteria, the BNP appears to restrict members to those regarded as particular ‘ethnic groups’ and exclude anyone who is not white, the Commission said.
‘This exclusion is contrary to the Race Relations Act which the party is legally obliged to comply with,’ it said in a statement.
‘The Commission therefore thinks that the BNP may have acted, and be acting, illegally.’
The BNP website declares it is looking for new recruits but that all applicants need a membership number.
This could break anti-discrimination laws which state that non-membership of an organisation cannot be a reason to refuse someone a job.
The Commission also expressed concern elected BNP representatives did not intend to treat constituents and members of the public equally ‘irrespective of colour’.
Legal director John Wadham said: ‘The Commission’s statutory role includes a duty to investigate possible breaches of discrimination law and take action where appropriate.
‘The legal advice we have received indicates that the British National Party’s constitution and membership criteria, employment practices and provision of services to constituents and the public may breach discrimination laws which all political parties are legally obliged to uphold.
‘We await a response from the BNP to our letter before deciding what further action we may take. Litigation or enforcement action can be avoided by the BNP giving a satisfactory response to our letter.’
BNP leader Nick Griffin was one of two members elected to the European Parliament earlier this month thanks to the collapse in Labour support.
Their election stunned Westminster and led to public protests.
Mr Griffin’s victory press conference days later was hijacked by demonstrators and he had to be bundled back into his car as they pelted him with eggs.
Around 50 people had contacted the EHRC to complain but it is believed its officials were already looking into the issue.
It is part of its job to monitor political parties to ensure they are abiding by equality laws and those relating to the incitement of racial hatred.
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