Memorandum submitted David and Hilda Howells (CJ&I 171)

 

 

We are writing to express our deep concern 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'.  As committed Christians we firmly believe that we should love and show love to all people, irrespective of their lifestyle, beliefs and sexual practices.  However, we also feel that the 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 as 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.

 

Christians do not hate homosexuals but are commanded to love them, and are instructed in the Bible to hate sin . The Bible is also clear that God intended sex to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman. It is an orthodox belief of the Christian Church and the propagation of such teaching should not be criminalised.  This law is another step towards 'thought crime' as it outlaws the act of trying to make someone hate something or someone else.  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.

 

In light of these concerns we would urge the Committee to uphold freedom of speech and to recognise that the proposed amendment is not only an unnecessary measure, but that it would endanger the freedoms that we now enjoy.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read our submission.

 

 

October 2007