Petition · past parliament

Hold a referendum on the government's proposed reforms to the Human Rights Act

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

The proposed reforms to the Human Rights Act represent a major shift of power from people and courts to the government, effectively placing parliament above the law and unable to be challenged. Such proposals should be discussed and scrutinised nationally
If these proposals are implemented then the government would have supreme unassailable power to do whatever it wants without challenge, the courts and people would be powerless. This country would no longer be a democracy. The ability of courts to challenge 'bad' law would be removed and individual basic rights only upheld if the government decides it is in the 'public good' to do so. This vague condition could, and probably would, lead to massive abuse. Open and national debate must take place.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You might like to sign the following petition:

Hold a referendum on any changes to or repeal of the Human Rights Act
Hold a referendum on any changes to or repeal of the Human Rights Act

Timeline

6 Mar 2022 Petition opened for signatures
10 Mar 2022 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 10 Mar 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.