Page:Bradlaugh, The Right to Affirm.djvu/7

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THE RIGHT TO AFFIRM.
7

then quietly leave the court. If the judge thereupon orders him to stay in the court, the facts should be carefully reported to Mr. Bradlaugh. Great care should be taken, whilst insisting on the right, to avoid any rudeness of demeanor or want of respect to the court.

The preceding instructions will apply to persons objecting to swear on religious grounds, except that the words to be used must be: "I object to be sworn, on the ground that the taking of an oath is contrary to my religious belief". The whole of the enactments are repealed which required the judge to be satisfied of the sincerity of the objection, when made on religious grounds.

In the case of any person required to take any oath of allegiance, or of office, or other oath, such person is equally entitled to affirm in all places for all purposes and under all circumstances.

To avoid the doubts raised under previous statutes, a simple form of affirmation in writing has been provided under section 4, in lieu and stead of a written affidavit.