Memorandum submitted by Malcolm Mitchell (CJ&I 199)

I wish to express my 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 a  Christian I do believe that we should love and show love to all people, irrespective of their beliefs and sexual practices. However, I also feel that the introduction of this proposed law is ill advised as it poses a considerable danger to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our nation.

I believe that the law is unnecessary. People are protected from assault and threatening words or behaviour under the current criminal law.

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

Thank you for taking the time to read my submission.

 

October 2007