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from Political News
'Hate Speech' Proposal In UK
Threatens Religious Freedom
November 30, 2007 - Both the Church of England and Catholic Church in the United Kingdom have issued a statement in opposition to a gay-inspired "hate speech" bill that threatens religious freedom and free speech.
The hate speech bill was drawn up by Stonewall, a gay activist group, and it is being promoted by Justice Minister Jack Straw. It may be added to the Criminal Justice and Immigration bill, which goes before the Parliament in December.
If the hate speech bill is passed, it would forbid the stirring up of hatred against gays through print or speech. A person convicted of this crime would face up to seven years in prison.
The statement from the Church of England and Catholic Church noted: "Our main concern is that any legislation on incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation permits the expression of traditional Christian and other opinions on sexual lifestyle." Christians "need to be assured that the expression of strong opinions on marriage or sexuality will not be illegal."
If the hate crimes bill passes, according to the statement, "... people holding firm opinions on sexuality will generally be reluctant to risk the emotional and financial costs of being challenged by a neighbor and being investigated by the police. We are not encouraged by some examples of over-zealous action by the police under current legislation against Christians who have publicly expressed traditional views on sexuality."
Stonewall spokesmen say that the hate crimes bill will still permit religious leaders to express their views on homosexuality as long as they are "temperate" and "polite."
Stonewall asserts that 6% of the population in UK is gay. (Source: Daily Mail, November 28, 2007)
Additional Reading: Political News.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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