Freedom of speech in grave peril as religious hatred bill is unveiled

June 09, 2005

The chief problem is that religious hatred is in the eye of the beholder — and that Muslim advocacy groups have been quite canny in appropriating the language of civil rights movements in tarring their adversaries as hatemongers. Underscoring this is the fact that British pols openly courted Muslim votes in the last election by declaring their support for the religious hatred bill. Its adoption would be a cornerstone of the Islamization of Britain. “Religious hatred bill is unveiled,” from the BBC

Controversial plans to make incitement to religious hatred illegal are being unveiled by the government.

Critics say the re-introduced bill – which bans insulting words or behaviour intended or likely to stir up religious hatred – will stifle free speech.

But ministers have pledged the new law will not affect “criticism, commentary or ridicule of faiths”.

If it mirrors racial hatred laws, the maximum sentence for those found guilty will be seven years in prison.

The bill will apply to comments made in public or in the media, as well as through written material.

Freedom of speech

The government says the legislation is a response to the concerns of faith groups, particularly Muslims.

The Muslim Council of Britain has welcomed the move, arguing that the courts have already extended such protection to Sikh and Jewish people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4075442.stm

Dhimmi Watch: UK: Freedom of speech in grave peril as religious hatred bill is unveiled