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Memorandum submitted by Charlotte Bird (CJ&I 308)
I am writing to express my deep 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 23 year old, I am concerned that this amendment poses considerable danger to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our nation. Under the current criminal law, all people are protected from assault and threatening behaviour and so I think a change to this law is unnecessary.
In recent media reports, there have been many cases where the freedom to openly express views or beliefs regarding sexuality have already been restricted. The Western Isles Council in Scotland in 2006, received hate mail and death threats because its registrars refused on moral grounds, to conduct civil partnership ceremonies; the Christian Union at Edinburgh University was banned from running a course on sexual purity on university grounds and family values campaigner, Lynette Burrows, was telephoned by police saying they were investigating a 'homophobic incident' after she said on radio that homosexual men may not be suitable for raising children.
I do not support violent or intimidating behaviour towards any person, regardless of their lifestyle, belief or sexual practices, but this amendment could criminalise ordinary people who want to express their beliefs. While there will always be disagreement between people over personally held views or religious teachings, I believe it is vital that people should be able to express their opinions without fear of threat, intimidation or police action. Advocates of free speech would support the saying, 'I disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it'.
In the light of the above concerns, I would urge the Committee to uphold freedom of speech and religion and to recognise that the proposed amendment is not only an unnecessary one, but one which would endanger the freedoms people from all walks of life enjoy.
October 2007 |