Memorandum submitted by Gavin Rendall (CJ&I 16)

I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which would make it a criminal offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'. As a committed Christian I firmly believe that we should love and show love to all people, irrespective of their lifestyle, beliefs and sexual practices. However, I also feel that the introduction of this proposed law is ill advised and poses a considerable danger to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our nation.

The law is unnecessary. All people are protected from assault and threatening words or behaviour under the current criminal law. In addition, the law concerning incitement to commit a criminal offence would make it an offence for any person to incite an act of violence against another person, for whatever reason.

I firmly believe that it is wrong to hate another person, for reason of their sexuality or for any other reason. However, this law is another step towards 'thought crime', as it outlaws the act of trying to promote a moral teaching.

We now live in a multi cultural, multi faith society and it is vital that if we are to continue to thrive, that laws introduced to give additional protection to one community, should not be to the unfair detriment of another.

Although Christians do not hate homosexuals but are commanded to (and do!) love them, they are instructed in the Bible to hate sin. The bible is clear that God intended sex to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman. This teaching therefore applies both homosexuals and heterosexuals (who are not in a marriage relationship). Many people may find such teaching offensive. They may even find it threatening. But it is an orthodox belief of the Christian Church, and the propagation of such teaching should not be criminalised. This does not conflict with the most important Christian teaching, to love one another, and it most certainly cannot be viewed as homophobic. Many advocates of free speech would ascribe to the motto 'I disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it'.

Christians and others are already living in an atmosphere of fear when it comes to being allowed to speak openly about their beliefs regarding sexuality. There have been a number of examples in the media where people have been reported to the police, interviewed by police, taken to court and even prosecuted for speaking openly about sexuality, lost their positions at work.

The Committee will be aware that, over the centuries, many thousands of innocent people have been martyred in this country for holding onto their Christian beliefs. I am sure it would not be the intention of the Committee to support a law, which is a clear move in that direction once again.

I can only reiterate that I and other Christians bear the GBL community no ill will, whatsoever, and practicing our religion does not harm them in any way. Furthermore I believe that the proposed legislation would be in contravention of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

In light of these above concerns I would urge the Committee to uphold freedom of speech and to recognise that the proposed amendment is not only an unnecessary measure, but that it would endanger the freedoms that we now enjoy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my submission.

October 2007