Memorandum submitted by Richard Szczesiak (CJ&I 177)

 

 

I am writing to express concern about the amendment creating the criminal offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'. As a Christian, I don't believe it is right to hate people, but I also believe in freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our nation.

 

· Christians are commanded to love homosexuals,not hate them, but are also instructed in the bible to hate sin. The bible is  clear that sex is the act of marriage  between one man and one woman, and is to be treated as such. Many people may find such teaching offensive,but that doesn't mean that  such teaching should 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" and  I think that is a principle worth protecting.

· 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. I just want to mention one: Harry Hammond v DPP 2004. Mr Hammond, 69, held up a poster saying "Stop homosexuality " in Bournemouth City centre.He was assualted by members of the public and it was Mr Hammond who was arrested and charged under the Public Order Act.

· This is entirely unfair and I would ask the Committee to protect such rights to express religious views.

Would  the Committee please  uphold freedom of speech and recognise that the proposed amendment is  unnecessary measure, and would endanger the freedoms that we now enjoy.

 

Thank you for  reading  my submission.

 

 

October 2007