Memorandum submitted by Steve Potts (CJ&I 20)

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'.

Whether your black or white, old or young, Islamic or Christian, homosexual or not, everyone is equal, made in God's image. As a Christian I desire to help, love and serve people regardless of there sexuality. However, I believe the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill is unnecessary. Every person is already protected against acts of threatening behaviour, violence, persecution through the current laws. To bring into effect the proposed amendment will simply bring huge danger to freedom of speech for Christians and other faith groups in Britain.

October 2007