Memorandum submitted by J Longstaff (CJ&I 58)

 

Sirs

 

I understand that an amendment of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill is being considered to introduce an offence of inciting hatred on the grounds of sexuality.

 

I am seriously concerned that this is an unnecessary offence and will have the effect of constraining the freedom of speech. As a Christian I am aware that if this amendment is included in the bill I, and millions of other believers, would be denied the right to proclaim what the Bible teaches about the wrong of homosexual sex. People of other faiths also hold to this teaching so they too would be denied the right to teach their faith in full. This has serious consequences for society.  

 

If such an offence is included the Bill must have protection for all individuals to repeat what is written in the Bible.

 

October 2007