Posted on 01/31/2006 2:36:43 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair was defeated today when parts of his government's plans to ban incitement to religious hatred were voted down in the House of Commons.
Amendments put forward by the House of Lords were accepted by narrow majorities of 10 and one, although the government has a theoretical majority of 65 over the opposition parties. The legislation had attracted criticism as muzzling free speech. It would have made incitement to religious hatred punishable by a jail term of up to seven years.
Junior Home Office minister Paul Goggins told the Commons: ``We are seeking to close a loophole in the law, which is not a huge loophole''.
It was designed to protect the Muslim community which cannot use existing legislation banning incitement to racial hatred because Muslims do not form a race.
But an alliance of religious leaders, humanists, artists and comedians opposed it.
It was the second time since taking office in 1997 that Blair has been defeated in the Commons.
In November parliamentarians refused to accept his call for a 90 day detention period for terrorist suspects. After the vote conservative opposition members called on Blair to quit.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the government accepted the outcome of the vote.
re :Would you speak out against homosexual "marriage" or gay "rights"?As for Muslims they can worship what they want as long as they respect my rights I will respect there's.
I figured as much
I have a feeling I was defending Queen and Country while you were just a glint in your dads eye
I doubt it, and this Queen is not worth defending in any case.
LOL Ah are you a English Republican, a former lefty turned right, a Right Wing anarchist
LOL, do you begin all your posts with LOL?
No only when someone cracks a joke or makes me laugh.
Oliver Cromwell had the right idea and he could not be described as an anarchist. He founded the modern British Army (New Model Army).
Factoid; the famous "red coat" was seen for the first time under Cromwell. It was the cheapest dye available when they issued a standard uniform for all the troops.
Actually Oliver Cromwell is one of my Great British Heroes
Good, then we agree on something.
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