Premier Media Group and The Lawyer’s Christian Fellowship have delivered a message against the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill to British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The two organisations received permission to deliver their statements of objection regarding the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill to Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday – the same day the bill was debated in the House of Lords.Premier Media Group and The Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship have openly stated their concerns about the Bill which could affect Christians legitimately proclaiming their faith if passed.
Chief Executive of Premier Media Group, the Reverend Peter Kerridge stated in his letter to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair: “Many Christian organisations, including Premier Media Group are concerned that if the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill is passed in its current form, the Bill will create a barrier to open communication on religious issues and endanger an individual’s right to freedom of speech.”
“We have further concerns that due to the broad and confusing wording used in the Bill, it could potentially be misused. If applied with the wrong motives, the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill could undermine civil liberties in a democratic society; it could also stop Christians legitimately proclaiming their faith and expressing accepted Christian teachings.”
In addition, Premier Media Group and The Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship have joined with 12 other Christian organisations and printed an open letter calling on Peers to reject the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill on the Times yesterday.
The organisations are: CARE, Christian Broadcasting Council, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Deo Gloria Trust, Elim Pentecostal Church, Evangelical Alliance, Icthus, Kingsway International Christian Centre, London School of Theology, Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship, Premier Media Group, Share Jesus International, Transform UK, Youth for Christ.
Over 35,000 Britons have contacted their local MPs in the last three months through Christian organisations, stating their objection to the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill as it stands. Over 625 of 647 MPs have received statements of objection to the Racial and Religious Hatred Group through Premier Radio Group.
