Memorandum submitted by Susan and Sean Palmer (CJ&I 42)

 

Dear Members of the Committee

 

We write to express our concern about the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration bill that would make it a criminal offence to "incite hatred on grounds of sexuality"

 

Such a law would be an affront to freedom of speech.

 

It is unchristian and unkind to encourage anyone to "hate" anyone for any reason. But we cannot make it unlawful . How many pop songs do we have that state illogical and erroneous messages. (eg: "We don't need no education..."?) But we do not ban them or make them criminal.

 

Peaceful Christians hold views about the practise of homosexual acts as being sinful. Christians are indeed particularly commanded to love sinners. Christians and others should not be made to live in an atmosphere of fear when expressing doctrinal views.

 

Of course no one  may assault or threaten or perpetrate any act of violence against another person. This is already an offence. And the law concerning incitement  to commit a criminal offence would make it an offence for an person to incite violence against another on any pretext. The amendment citing "grounds of sexuality" is unnecessary.

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read our submission.

 

October 2007