London, England - The Incitement to Religious Hatred Bill in today’s Queen’s Speech comes after two attempts by the Government to introduce a new offence outlawing stirring up hatred against someone because of their religion.
Previous attempts to introduce the law – in 2001 and in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act earlier this year – faltered because of concerns over free speech.
Blackadder star Rowan Atkinson was among those who warned that such measures risked undermining the freedom of satirists, comedians and writers, and legitimate discussion about religion and religious practices.
But ministers see it as an important counter-balance to anti-terror laws which can be seen to disproportionately target Britain’s Muslim population.
The measure was a Labour manifesto commitment in the recent General Election campaign and peers will think twice about blocking a manifesto pledge.
According to the Government, the Bill would end the anomaly whereby Jews and Sikhs are already protected, under racial hatred offences, while others, such as Christians, Muslims and Hindus, are not.
It insists the offence, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years, would not be an “assault” on people’s right to “simply disapprove” of the beliefs, teachings or practices of a religion.
“Criticism, commentary or ridicule” of faiths, or their members, would not be covered by the offence.
It would apply to members of extremist organisations who stir up hatred against members of minority faiths and to individuals who seek to do so against those who do not share their faith.