Paragraph 24 Protection of freedom of assembly and association

(1)

Except with his consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of peaceful assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political parties, or to form or belong to trade unions or other associations for the protection of his interests.

(2)

Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this Article to the extent that the law in question makes provision—

(a)

which is reasonably required—

(i)

in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or

(ii)

for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons; or

(b)

which imposes restrictions upon persons holding office under the Crown or upon members of a disciplined force,

and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.