Memorandum submitted by Sylvia Baker (CJ&I 36)

I understand from media reports that the Government is planning to make incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexuality a criminal offence. As a committed Christian, I fear that such a law could and would be used against moderate freedom of speech.

Of course, no-one should support cruelty and hatred directed towards a person because of their perceptions of their sexual orientation or their homosexual practice. I certainly would not and I do not know anyone who would. However, I believe, on the basis of what the Bible teaches, that homosexual practice is wrong and damages the person who indulges in it. Far from hating that person, my opposition to their behaviour would follow from a genuine concern for them.

Can it be guaranteed that it would not be illegal to state the above opinion publicly? And why is such a change to the law necessary when all British citizens are protected by law from extreme behaviour? It appears to me that those advocating this change to the law are trying to control the way that people think. The underlying aim seems to be to silence those who disagree with homosexuality in practice.

I am very anxious about this proposal and hope that it will not be implemented.

October 2007