Letters to the Editor

Thursday 22nd December 2005

Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

SIR-

The Liberal Democrats have had many concerns about the content of the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill.  In particular we fear it could infringe on legitimate free speech. We are aware that many people across the political and religious spectrum share similar concerns about the potential impact of the Bill on one of our fundamental freedoms.

As a point of principle we believe that religious belief can be distinguished from race. Race is immutable and attacking someone because they happen to be of a particular race can never be justified. Religion on the other hand is a matter of choice and so should be open to debate. We hope that the new legislation will recognise this principle by protecting the rights of believers and non-believers alike to criticise the religious beliefs and practices of others.

As the Bill stands, following amendments in the House of Lords, the offence of stirring up religious hatred would only apply to threatening language (that is where there is a link to violence). This is clearly an improvement on what was initially proposed by the government.

My parliamentary colleagues have worked hard during the passage of the Bill to remove the most offensive aspects of the legislation whilst enabling the government to deliver their manifesto commitment. At the time of writing colleagues are still engaged in negotiations with the government to ensure the Bill contains the strongest possible safeguards. One of our major concerns is that, although there may only ever be a very limited number of prosecutions, the threat of criminal sanctions would lead to self-censorship. One of the main objects of our discussions will be to secure a free speech guarantee on the face of the Bill to limit its potential chilling effect.

We hope that a consensus will be reached as a result of the current negotiations. If this is not the case then be assured that LibDem MP's will push our amendments to a vote in the House of Commons.
 

ENDS

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting

Notes to editors:

1. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
2. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm