Memorandum submitted by Keith Welton (CJ&I 339)

I am opposed to this proposed amendment of the Criminal Justice & Immigration Bill on two separate basis:-

1. freedom of speech  

2. freedom of religious expression.

The amendment is unnecessary as all people are protected from threatening words or behaviour under the current criminal law.

It is not a criminal offence to hate someone or hate their actions- we would be drifting into thought crime if this becomes the case.

The amendment would be an infringement of my religious freedom if I am not to peak that which the Holy Bible teaches.

Orthodox Christian teaching and the Holy Bible which have been the backbone of our law and practice for a thousand years calls for a 'one man one woman' sexual relationship. Having said that, the Holy Bible is very clear that God hates the sin but loves the sinner; which is where the majority of Christians stand. Christians do not hate homosexuals. Jesus told us to love God and love our neighbour, which includes homosexuals.

October 2007