Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her department has made of whether charities which exist to promote creationism fulfil a public benefit.

This government welcomes the fact that our charity sector is diverse and varied, respecting and reflecting a broad range of public views.

Some organisations which promote creationism are registered as charities under the advancement of religion, which remains an important and relevant charitable purpose in modern society. The legal test for charitable status is set out in the Charities Act 2011, and requires charities to have wholly charitable purposes that are for the public benefit. Any detriment or harm that results from the charity pursuing its charitable purpose must not outweigh the benefit it provides.

There are no plans to reassess or change the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose as set out in the Charities Act 2011.