Memorandum submitted by David M L Vink (CJ&I 134)

 

Dear Members of the Committee,

 

I am writing to express my deep concern about a proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which will make it a criminal offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'.

 

As a practising Christian I firmly believe we should love and show love to all people, irrespective of their lifestyle, beliefs and sexual practices. I am also appalled to see that no representatives of the religious communities in the United Kingdom have yet been asked to give evidence to the committee, which suggests that the committee may have some

 

However, I also feel introduction of this proposed law is ill advised and poses a considerable danger to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our nation.

 

· The law is unnecessary. All people are protected from assault and threatening words or behaviour under the current criminal law. In addition, the law concerning incitement to commit a criminal offence would make it an offence for any person to incite an act of violence against another person, for whatever reason.

 

· Although it is not good to hate another person, nor is it a criminal offence to hate somebody - for reason of their sexuality or for any other reason. This law is another step towards 'thought crime', as it outlaws the act of trying to make someone hate something or someone else.

 

· Although Christians do not hate homosexuals but are commanded to love them, they are instructed in the bible to hate sin. The bible is also clear God intended sex to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman. Many people may find such teaching offensive.

 

· They may even find it threatening. But it is an orthodox belief of the Christian Church, and the propagation of such teaching should not be criminalised. Many advocates of free speech would ascribe to the motto 'I disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it'.

 

· Christians and others are already living in an atmosphere of fear when it comes to being allowed to speak openly about their beliefs regarding sexuality. There have been a number of examples in the media where people have been reported to the police, interviewed by police, taken to court and even prosecuted for speaking openly about sexuality, lost their positions at work.

 

In light of these concerns I urge the Committee to uphold freedom of speech, and my human rights to speak about and practise my beliefs freely and to recognise that the proposed amendment is not only an unnecessary measure, but that it will endanger freedoms we now enjoy.

 

November 2007