Memorandum submitted by Colin McDougal (CJ&I 385)

 

Dear Members of the Committee,

 

I am writing to highlight my concerns about the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. This, in my opinion, would constitute a serious attack on freedom of speech in this country. As a Christian, I do not support violent or intimidating behaviour towards any person - yet we do believe that certain practices are wrong and wish to be able to say as much in a democratic society.

 

I'd ask this committee to protecting freedom of speech, even where that means that some people will be offended by it. As Christians we want all people to be able to speak freely and heaven knows we are often on the receiving end so we do not want special treatment, we are simply asking to be allowed to speak out about our beliefs without fear of threat, intimidation and police action.

 

The proposed amendment in this case would constitute another serious attack on freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We already have ample examples of how those who speak about biblical teaching on sexuality are maligned, threatened and intimidated in an attempt to keep them silent about their views. These are just a few examples of this lack of tolerance of Christian views on sexuality:

 

· Edinburgh University CU was banned from running a course on sexual purity on University premises.

· Glasgow firemen faced discipline for refusing to man an information stall at a gay pride event.

· 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.

· The Bishop of Chester was investigated by the Cheshire constabulary after he told his local newspaper of research showing that some homosexuals re-orientated to heterosexuality.

 

Please consider my viewpoints in your deliberation.

November 2007