Memorandum submitted by Philip Mear (CJ&I 325)

 

 

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

 

We do not need this law.  There are quite sufficient laws to protect against incitement to commit a criminal offence.  So why do we need this one?

 

It is not a criminal offence to hate someone, provided it remains a thought.  Recently I watched the classic TV (US) commercial that launched Apple Computers in 1984 and its image is very powerful.  The 'thought police' enforce a law that forbids free thought that does not conform to the ideology of the dictator.  Any change in the law to outlaw 'hating' anyone or anything is a step on a slippery slope towards 'thought crime' that other legislation has already taking (political correctness - brainwashing by another name).

 

The Christian Church has a long held biblical belief that homosexual practices are sinful.  Yet we are also commanded to love our neighbour.  We loath what homosexuals do, yet would never take action against them because God loves them.   We love all people and support marriage as God's pattern for the family unit.  This law would criminalise the balanced and loving expression of our faith in the God and trust in his Holy Word.   Most lovers of free speech would agree with the motto 'I disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it'.

 

Recent cases show the homosexual lobby are trying to muzzle anyone who publicly speaks up for marriage and against the practices of homosexuals, lesbians and similar.  Yet they are very bold to attack our faith such as the recent advertisement about Christians being responsible for a large number of 'homophobic crimes'.  Homosexuals treat any reasoned and bible based verbal or written attack on them as 'crime', when in fact is part of free speech.   This law would be twisted by the gay lobby to suggest that merely stating that one disagrees with homosexual practices is an 'incitement' to hate.  There is a difference between inciting a lynch mob (Hollywood Westerns) and proclaiming that God loves homosexuals but they have to stop their practices.    

 

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 an unnecessary measure, but that it would endanger the freedoms that we now enjoy.

 

October 2007