Reed Calls for an End to Religious Hatred
Andy Reed MP has called for an end to religious and racial hatred in Britain, and has expressed disappointment at the misrepresentation of current legislation going through Parliament by Christian lobbying groups.
Reed has a long record of campaigning against religious persecution, especially the persecution of Christians around the globe. He said the new Racial and Religious Hatred Bill is about stopping the incitement of racial hatred and not about stopping freedom of speech.
Reed said:
“I have to say that I am frankly really disappointed that some Christian lobby groups have resorted to totally misrepresenting the legislation and circulating highly misleading information to churches. To suggest that simply preaching the Gospel will become an offence is to put it very mildly – being economical with the truth.
“As somebody who campaigns around the world against Christian persecution I find it disturbing that some Christians in this country seem intent on lobbying against protection against the sort of incitement to hatred and violence we see elsewhere as extremely disappointing.
“If some Christians want to maintain the right to incitement of religious hatred – then please count me out. Fortunately not all Christian organisations are opposed to this law – just the usual suspects. Despite the misleading leaflets, emails and fliers circulating this law does not ban the freedom to preach. It does not curtail the freedom of speech - only the right to incite hatred.
“I will happily send concerned constituents a copy of the Racial & Religious Hatred Bill – and the Regulatory Impact Assessment – so they can then make their own minds up. The facts blow out of the water the more ludicrous claims made by some of the more alarmist lobbyists and I hope people will take the time to read it before making a judgement.”
Back in 1992 the case for changes in the Blasphemy Law and Religious Hatred laws were being made by Christians. Please take a look at the paper linked below to see some of the arguments.