Religious Hatred Bill Proposed Again In Britain

In Great Britain today, the Queen's Speech to Parliament (full text) which sets out the Labour Government's legislative program included the Incitement to Religious Hatred Bill. The proposed legislation would prohibit stirring up hatred against individuals because of their religion. According to a report in this morning's Scotsman, this is the third time the government has attempted to obtain this type of legislation. Previous attempts have foundered on free speech concerns. The bill is seen as particularly protecting Britain's Muslim population. Jews and Sikhs are already protected under special racial hatred laws.