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Memorandum submitted by Dr M J & Mrs H S Gould (CJ&I 377)
Re: Incitement of Hatred on the
Grounds of Sexual Orientation Amendments
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" - attributed to Voltaire
Freedom of speech is one of the most important attributes of our democracy (Human Rights Act 1998). It is crucial that the citizens of the UK are able to have strong, vigorous & reasoned arguments about life, including about deeply held beliefs, philosophies or worldviews, without fear of harassment, arrest or imprisonment by the State
If one looks in detail at various of the main world religions, philosophical systems or worldviews, many have very differing descriptions of what they believe & also many claim to possess exclusive truth, making it very necessary for discussion & sometimes argument to take place, for us to try to find out what the meaning of life is, & how we should conduct ourselves while we are on this Earth, For these reasons we need to uphold religious liberties in our Country, which are another crucial cornerstone of our democracy (Human Rights Act 1998)
However in a civilized society it is necessary to have some boundaries to reduce the likelihood of discussions or arguments from becoming violent. If someone sets out with deliberate intent & incites or threatens violent behaviour, then they will need to be restrained by verbal or physical action from the police & possibly the courts
It is also necessary in society to fairly balance the rights of different parts of that society, so that one group of people's rights do not trump those of others
Clear thinking is essential in teasing out some of the basic principles behind any legislation introduced. People are born with their racial characteristics & colour, & are born male or female. However sexual behaviour is a personal choice, whether it be between one man & one woman within marriage for life, heterosexual extramarital sexual relationships, homosexual sexual relationships, bisexual sexual relationships, adult-child sexual relationships, & people who have multiple sexual partners; likewise one's personal faith, philosophy or worldview is a choice, (though both of these choices may be influenced by the culture which surrounds one). It is very important therefore to compare like with like. It would be incongruous to use the Racial Hatred Legislation as a template for the Incitement of Hatred on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, rather the template of the Religious Hatred Legislation just brought into force on 1/10/07 should be used (including the Lester Amendment). This is the logical, reasoned way
As Bible believing Christians, we are commanded by Christ to show love & care towards anyone who is confused or has lost their way with regard to their sexual behaviour. However Christ very clearly also said that having sexual relations outside of marriage is wrong. He said this for our benefit for the strength of our families & the success of our children, because He dearly wants people to turn away from unwise behaviours & follow Him & His ways which are for our happiness
We sincerely hope that you are able to carefully consider the above points in your Committee's deliberations for the future wellbeing of our Country.
October 2007 |