A cinema manager has refused to obey the Covid pass law, claiming it is an “infringement of our human rights”.
After a Senedd vote people must show an NHS Covid pass in Wales to legally enter cinemas, theatres and concert halls.
Cinema & Co in Swansea have said they will not support the scheme, branding it “nonsensical” and “unnecessary”.
Anna Redfern, who manages the independent 56-seat cinema, said the “unlawful” law was “a total infringement of our human rights”.
“I know a lot of businesses who are complying with this out of fear, I’m hoping by making a stand in this way it will give others courage to follow suit,” she added.
Ms Redfern, who used to be a children’s rights worker, said she was “very aware of our rights” and wanted “everyone to be welcome” at the cinema.
In a post on Facebook she talked about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states “all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
She said the Welsh government had “discriminated against those exercising their right to bodily autonomy”.
“Covid passes do not give freedom, they take it away.”
She added that it took her a lot of courage to put the post up on social media.
“I haven’t been on social media since making the post but the amount of private messages I’ve had offering support and admiration for my courage. It’s been really overwhelming.”
She said the messages were from business owners and followers of the cinema.
“We should make these decisions for ourselves and not the government. They shouldn’t be gatekeepers of culture.”
The Welsh government said in a statement: “The use of the NHS covid pass for cinemas, theatres and concert halls is required by law in Wales – it is not optional for these venues.
“Cases of coronavirus in Wales remain very high. The NHS covid pass is another way we’re strengthening the measures we have in place to keep us all safe.”
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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