CofE, RCs, call for 'safeguards' on UK gay-hate legislation

The Church of England has joined forces with the Roman Catholic Church in calling for safeguards to be included any government plan to change the Public Order Act of 1986 which would create an offence of ‘incitement to hatred on grounds of sexual orientation’.

In a memorandum to the Public Bill Committee on the possible changes to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, the Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs Council and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales expressed reservations on the creation of new offences and the need to balance the protection of vulnerable groups with safeguards for freedom of speech.

The document calls for any new laws to allow Christians to express traditional views on sexuality, and asks for ‘maximum possible clarity’ about what is forbidden and what is permitted. Read more
No comments will be posted without a full name and location, see the policy.