Britain Moves Ahead With Controversial Religious Hatred Proposal

The British government is moving ahead with its plans to enact a controversial Racial and Religious Hatred Bill according to a report in today's Times Online. The Home Office Minister today released the text of the bill which will prohibit incitement to religious hatred of any kind. Opponents claim that the proposed law will stifle free speech. Home Minister Goggins attempted to alleviate fears. He said: "It will not stop people ... from telling jokes. It does not stop people poking fun or causing offence. It is about stopping people from inciting hatred." The proposal is aimed primarily at protecting Muslims. Jews and Sikhs are already protected under existing legislation on inciting racial hatred. Others object that the bill will curb justifiable criticism of devil worshipers and cults. (See prior related posting.)