Evangelical Alliance address Committee on Religious Hatred Bill

A spokesperson for the Evangelical Alliance has contrasted the difference with the ways in which Christians and Muslims react to provocation. Dr Don Horrocks who is the Head of Public Affairs at the EA stated that television programmes are "awash" with pro-Islamic programmes and articles, whilst Christians face regular provocation. He used examples such as Madame Tussauds waxwork nativity scene featuring David and Victoria Beckham, as well as recent bestselling books such as the 'Da Vinci Code'.

The comments by the Horrocks come in response to direct and specific questions from the Home Affairs Select Committee. Along with the Evangelical Alliance, many other Christian groups have expressed their opposition to government proposals to outlaw actions which are perceived to incite religious hatred.

The proposals are held within the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill which is currently being addressed in Parliament.

Evangelical conservative groups in particular have opposed the Bill as they fear that by outlawing religious discrimination in this way, the situations between separate faith groups would be further intensified.

Horrocks argued that Christians could react "quite strongly" to offensive attacks on their religion but instead constantly show restraint.

The committee further requested specific illustrations and examples from Horrocks, who responded by talking about the Muslim Association of Britain's call for a boycott of the Daily Telegraph after it reported in an article that people should be free to hold unpleasant views of Islam.

Horrocks said, "We worry that bringing in this kind of legislation may mean community hostility could be created where it does not exist now."

He further went on to say that the religious discrimination Bill could in fact make the problem worse.

Canon Guy Wilkinson, Church of England interfaith advisor, and Philip Sumner, of the Catholic Bishops Conference backed Horrocks in his views.

Wilkinson warned the government that the legislation could even make people make deliberately provocative statements "to have themselves arrested under that legislation and use it as a platform for their own views."

Father Sumner also commented that many things stated during Sunday services within Catholic churches as well as in Friday Muslim Prayers could be taken out of context and perceived to have incited religious hatred.

He said, "It could add to tensions rather than reducing them between communities. Race is something we don't have any choice about. We are born into it instead of choosing it so there should be a difference."

However, not all Christian groups agree with these views. Within the past few days the Methodist Church has announced its full support for the legislation. Methodist Parliamentary and Political Secretary Rachel Lampard said that such views are based on a misconception of the proposals.

She said, "The legislation is about inciting hatred. It is about preventing extremist political groups using loopholes in the existing law to promote hatred of certain religions."

In addition, the Methodist Church has seen support of its views from Dr Elizabeth Harris, Secretary for Inter Faith Relations, said; "The Methodist Church is committed to an open discussion of beliefs and ensuring that people of all faiths are protected from hatred. Other faiths tell us that they want this legislation. We have to respect this."

"This legislation is not about debating truth claims nor about whether all religions are the same. But it is about all individuals and communities having the right to live and work without the fear of violence arising from religious hatred. The legislation will apply to everyone, so Christians will be protected as well."