Memorandum submitted by Geoff Ashton (CJ&I 39)

I see there a proposal is under consideration to amend this Bill to introduce an offence of inciting hatred on the grounds of sexuality.

Given the current raft of current legislation which protects specific interest groups from discrimination, libel, slander, and other forms of personal attack, how does this amendment square with the wider Government objective to reduce the overall burden of legislation in the UK?

My best wishes whilst considering this sensitive issue.

October 2007