I'll tack this up here for now
Religious hatred bill explained
Politics.co.uk - London,UK
... Concerns about the bill have focused on this broad definition of religion -- which some argue means cults would be protected from criticism -- and most ...
The racial and religious hatred bill intends to protect people targeted for their beliefs The racial and religious hatred bill extends the racial hatred offences outlined in section three of the Public Order Act 1986 to cover the stirring up of hatred against someone on racial or religious grounds.
Religious groups that are also ethnic groups, such as Sikhs and Jews, are already protected by existing racial hatred legislation. The new bill would extend this protection to other religious groups, as well as those people targeted for their lack of religious beliefs.
New offences
The offences apply to the use of words, behaviour, written or broadcast material which is considered threatening, abusive or insulting, and is intended or likely to stir up either racial or religious hatred.
Religious hatred is defined as "hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to a religious belief or lack of belief" and could include atheists, humanists, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Rastafarians.
Concerns about the bill have focused on this broad definition of religion – which some argue means cults would be protected from criticism – and most importantly, the impact it could have on free speech.
Critics argue the legislation would stop people making religious jokes, or stop religious leaders criticising other faiths, because it does not require the person making the statement to have any intention to stir up religious hatred.
For material to be considered likely to stir up hatred, it need only be shown that it was likely to be seen or heard by someone in whom it might stir up racial or religious hatred.
In the commentary accompanying the bill, the Home Office says "the offences will not encompass material that just stirs up ridicule or prejudice or causes offence…expressions of antipathy or dislike of particular religions or their adherents will not be caught by the offence".
But this is not included in the bill and critics say the fact that such a qualification is necessary indicates the legislation as it is drawn up is too broad.
Proposed amendments
Peers opposing the bill, including former archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, have published amendments that they say will make it less open to abuse. These are backed by a number of actors, such as comedian Rowan Atkinson.
These would include changing the offences so they no longer covered abusive or insulting statements, only those that were threatening; putting the onus on the prosecutor to prove someone intended to incite racial or religious hatred; and including in the bill a clear statement outlining the right of freedom of speech.
To read the full text of the racial and religious hatred bill " target=_blank>click here.
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The Bogeyman Watchtower's religious hatred
