Just got back from an evening organised by the Christian Institute intended to brief Christians on the proposals by the British Government to introduce an incitement to religious hatred bill.

This bill was first proposed in 2001, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. At the time, the Home Secretary argued a law was needed to address the many reports of attacks on mosques and physical and verbal attacks on people because of their religion.

On the face of it, it sounds like a good idea. After all, Christians are told to “love your enemies” Mt 5:44. With a little thought, the bill turns out to be half-baked and unreasonable.

For a start, the very reason the bill was proposed was because of physical and verbal attacks committed against Muslims and mosques, yet there are already laws which cover attacks on people and property, for whatever reason – regardless of religion. Why do we need a new law to cover what is already covered?

Further examination of the proposed bill reveals it will severely limit freedom of speech. The proposed bill will amend Section 18 of the Public Order Act 1986 to read:

  1. A person who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays any written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, is guilty of an offence if�
    1. he intends thereby to stir up racial or religious hatred, or
    2. having regard to all the circumstances the words, behaviour or material are (or is) likely to be heard or seen by any person in whom they are (or it is) likely to stir up racial or religious hatred.

It will criminalise “inciting religious hatred” which is legal speak and could well cover saying something which could be considered insulting to a religious group, which would include saying a religious group is wrong. Before you know it, a Christian would not be able to quote words of Christ such as “no-one come to the Father except through me” Jn 14:6, which in its very essence rejects the claims of all other religions, and is likely to be insulting to someone who holds a deeply held alternative view. Not many people like being told they’re wrong. It would mean that other religions and even atheists would not be able to make disparaging comments about Christianity or other religions.

Additionally, the bill does not define a religion and effectively requires that judges and the Attorney General become theologians. This leaves the system open to abuse from cults and sects, especially those of a litigious nature.

This would appear to be just another instance of political-correctness gone mad, but if this bill goes through, the right to freedom of speech of both Christians and non-Christians will be severely curtailed. Indeed, a basic Christian desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ will become increasingly difficult – after all, the truth is insulting to many people.

Are we going to do something to stop it? Or will telling the truth be stopped?

More information about this bill can be found at the Christian Institute’s website.