LONDON, July 12 (UPI) -- The British government's controversial incitement to religious hatred bill has cleared Parliament's lower chamber, the House of Commons.
Members of Parliament passed the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill 301-229. However, it faces a tough time in the House of Lords, where the government has no majority.
The government moved to reassure opponents faith groups would not be able to place critics under citizen's arrest. It tabled an amendment to prevent "malicious" attempts by religious organizations to stop criticism if the police declined to step in.
But hundreds of Christians demonstrated outside Parliament as the bill was debated, arguing the law would prevent them criticizing other religions.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were defeated when they proposed an amendment banning reference to religion as a pretext for racial hatred. However it is likely it will be raised again in the Lords.
Supporters of the bill say it closes a loophole in the current racial hatred law, which protects Sikhs and Jews because of their distinct ethnicity, but not Muslims, Christians or Hindus.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
Now, can people who practice hatred IN THE NAME of religion be prosecuted under such law? Such as islamists?
Big Brother is the current G8's solution because they're afraid to round up and intern/deport people based on 'religious' association.
I'll admit I haven't been following this at all, but I'm guessing "racial hatred" doesn't mean hatred against whites and "religious hatred" doesn't mean hatred against Christians.
Should say: [Passes in UK Commons, blocked in House of Lords]
My prediction is that if this law is enacted it will achieve exactly the opposite effect of what is intended. Like all liberal legislation, programs and initiatives it is based on feelings, false assumptions and perceived emotions.
ping