Memorandum submitted by Stephen Lawrence (CJ&I 183)

I write to you as I am concerned about the proposal to introduce an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, to make it an offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'. Such an amendment would pose a considerable danger to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

As a Christian, I believe in loving all people, regardless of their lifestyle, and would wish others to do the same for me. The proposed amendment would severely threaten this. This is not just case for people, like myself of strong held Christian belief, but people of other faiths too.

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. For more details of these cases see our previous briefings, or go to the CCFON cases briefing - see in particular cases numbers 2, 10, 11, 12, and 17 - http://www.christianconcernforournation.co.uk/Other/other.php

I would also urge you please, to consult religious groups on any proposals - currently I gather none have been invited to do so. This surely would make the whole process flawed, and no credit to our parliamentary procedures.

This is fundamentally an issue of freedom of speech and to be able to practice religion - thank you for taking time to read this submission.

 

October 2007