Christian Charity raises concerns for UK Religious Hate Law Proposal

A UK-based international charity which is working with Christians in Islamic societies has launched a campaign to stand up against a plan by the British government to outlaw incitement of religious hatred.

The law was proposed by Home Secretary David Blunkett in early July this year. His proposal introduced a measure creating a criminal offence of inciting hatred against groups or individuals on the grounds of beliefs.

Critics of the opposed Bill see the proposal as a sop to Muslims.

In a document, the Barnabus Fund noted that Iqbal Sacranie, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said that defaming the prophet Mohammad should be illegal under the new law because it was an insult to Muslims.

"But the religion Mohammad taught is based on the specific rejection of Christianity," said Barnabus Fund. "It is impossible to protect both these belief systems from 'insult' simultaneously."

Barnabus Fund said that the proposed law could be used to stop works for more rights and equality to Muslim women. "Most of the discrimination and indeed persecution which they suffer has its origins in the teachings of Islam itself."

"The potential impact of this law is very grave indeed," said Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, Barnabas Fund director. "With the best of intentions and a noble aim the government may inadvertently open the door to a serious restriction of free speech in the UK."

The charity is urging supporters to raise concerns about this by writing to Prime Minister Tony Blair, Blunkett and lawmakers.




Jenny Lee
Ecumenical Press