Petition · Cabinet Office

Remove references to Roman Catholics as popish & papist in British legislation

Open for signatures 24 signatures

What the petition asks

In the Claim of Right 1689 & Bill of Rights 1689, Roman Catholics are referred to as papists & popish. These references should be removed from these statutes & from any others that are currently in force.
It is expressly stated in the countries’ most reputable dictionaries that these terms for Roman Catholics are offensive, yet they are embedded in British legislation in provisions which are stated on the legislation website to be live.

Timeline

5 Jun 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 24
Status Open for signatures
Department Cabinet Office
Opened 5 Jun 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.