Memorandum submitted by Ruth Cutnbert (CJ&I 358)

 

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.

All people are protected from assault and threatening words or behaviour under the current criminal law. 

 Although it is not good to hate another person, it is not a criminal offence to do so - for reason of their sexuality or for any other reason.

The bible is clear that God intended sex to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman.   Christians do not hate homosexuals but are commanded to love them. They are, however, instructed in the bible to hate sin. Many people may find such teaching offensive. They may even find it threatening. But it is an orthodox belief of the Christian Church, and the propagation of such teaching should not be criminalised. Many advocates of free speech would ascribe to the motto 'I disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it'

 Christians and others are already living in an atmosphere of fear when it comes to being allowed to speak openly about their beliefs regarding sexuality. There have been a number of examples in the media where people have been reported to the police, interviewed by police, taken to court and even prosecuted for speaking openly about sexuality, lost their positions at work.

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.

Thank you for taking the time to read my submission.

October 2007