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Memorandum submitted by Bruce Robertson (CJ&I 200)
As present in the Special Gallery in the Commons on Monday 8th October for the Second Reading of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, I witnessed Mr. Straw's announcement that an amendment would be brought forward by the Government to their own Bill and that this would be considered in Committee. I understand that the first session is due to take place on Tuesday 16th October and I write to express my deep concern about an amendment that would make it a criminal offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'. I am a practising and committed Christian and believe that God's gospel is "by faith of Jesus Christ towards all, and upon all those who believe". (Romans 3:22). The Christian should reflect God's attitude of salvation to all men based upon repentance; but also the Christian is required to hate sin. The distinction between 'hating the sinner' (which would be wrong) and 'hating the sin' (which is essential) needs to be understood if appropriate legislation is to be enacted.
However, I feel that this proposed law is ill advised and poses a threat to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our country. It is unnecessary, as present laws protect us all from assault and threatening words or behaviour. 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.
As mentioned, Christians do not hate homosexuals, but are obliged to obey biblical teaching to hate sin. Additionally, it is clear from the Bible that God intended sexual relations to apply solely to the married state, involving the relationship of one man to one woman. Our marriage vows in this country are quite clear: that it is "to the exclusion of all others" and also "for life". This is the orthodox teaching of Christians and the propagation of such teaching should not be criminalised.
An atmosphere of fear tends to prevail in this country and is developing because Christians have not been allowed to speak freely in public about their beliefs regarding sexuality and in certain instances persons have even been reported to the police, taken to court and prosecuted for speaking openly from their own convictions about such matters. Some have even lost their employment.
For these reasons, I would urge the Committee to defend freedom of speech and recognise that this amendment is unnecessary and threatens to endanger the liberties we have enjoyed.
October 2007 |