Memorandum submitted by HM Sidwell (CJ&I 170)

 

 

 

I am deeply concerned about the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill which would make it a criminal offence to "incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality". Christians are commanded to love all people - they do not hate homosexuals. God intended sex to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman. Many people may find this teaching offensive, but it is the orthodox belief of the Christian church and other major world religions (Muslim, Hindu, Buddism) and the propogation of such teaching should not be criminalised. Many Christians have already been interviewed and intimidated by the police for speaking openly about their beliefs regarding sexuality - eg: Joe and Helen Roberts, the Bishop of Chester and Lynnette Burrows. The existing religious hatred law contains substantial protection for free speech which makes the proposed amendment not only an unnecessary measure, but one one that would endanger the freedom we now enjoy. Thank you for taking the time to read my submissions.

 

 

October 2007