Evangelical Alliance seeks wider debate on blasphemy laws

The Evangelical Alliance has voiced support for a Government consultation on proposals to abolish blasphemy laws.

In a debate in the Commons on Wednesday, the Government rejected the proposals from Lib Dem MP Evan Harris on the grounds that it wanted time to consult with the Church of England first.

The Evangelical Alliance warned that abolishing the blasphemy laws may erode the special place of the sacred in society.

"When Parliament prioritises the abolition of legislation it is not a neutral act. It sends out a signal to society about what values it considers to be important. In this case the message suggests that there is no longer a place for respect for the sacred in society," said Dr Don Horrocks, Head of Public Affairs at the Evangelical Alliance.

"Even though it is widely accepted that the blasphemy laws are unlikely ever to be used again, their abolition should not consequently send out a signal that gratuitous abuse and offence are therefore now acceptable."

Dr Horrocks also urged the Government to extend the consultation beyond the Church of England to include other faith groups.

"We should be clear that we are not talking about restriction of free speech, the right to critique, caricature or parody religion. Nor does God need legal protection," he said.

"We are talking about the reasonable prevention, for the good of society as a whole, of extreme gratuitous reviling and abuse - not of beliefs - but of people, and in particular sacred personalities in the form of religious leaders such as Jesus and Mohammed, who have special personal and relational sanctity for millions of believers.

"For this reason, and others, it is important that the Government consults with faith groups widely - not just with the Church of England - to explore how such very real concerns, which are manifestly not covered by parallel legislation on incitement to religious hatred, might be protected in relevant and effective up to date law."

Dr Horrocks added that a wider consultation would provide society with the opportunity to "highlight the values that it considers important - including self-restraint and respect".

A spokesman for the Church of England gave a "cautious" welcome to a review of the current legislation.