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Memorandum submitted by Adrian Huxham (CJ&I 19)
It is understood Stonewall is to address your committee but I am concerned that so far, no religious or faith groups have been asked to give evidence. Is there a substantive reason for this omission? I am of the opinion a change or addition to the law is un-necessary as everyone is reasonably protected from assault and threatening words under current legislation. I am also concerned any change would further limit Freedom of Speech. For millennia it has been possible for adherents of all faiths to freely tell others what they believe. Those listening have not always agreed with what was said, but healthy discussion has always been possible without fear of recriminations or the speaker being concerned that he may be accused of inciting hatred! Recently, there have also been examples of UK Police harassing individuals - even a Bishop - only to later apologise for being heavy handed and unreasonable. We want no more examples of this! UK Citizens now enjoy reasonable freedoms and the proposed amendment is a measure being propagated by a lobby group representing a very small part of the UK population - and is unnecessary. In my opinion too much legislation is already being enacted, some imprecisely worded and with little thought to detailed implementation issues, without adding yet more unnecessary measures - life is already too complicated!
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