The government has suffered a defeat on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, which will now go to receive royal assent with the extensive amendments made to it by the House of Lords and now agreed to by the House of Commons.
The British Humanist Association has, since the government’s proposals were first unveiled, supported the principle of protecting vulnerable minorities, but has argued for a Bill that would also protect the legitimate criticism of religions and religious practices.
Hanne Stinson, BHA executive director, welcomed the fact that the new law will protect the legitimate criticism of religion and religious practices.
The government, hoping that the Lords’ amendments would not be agreed to, had tabled amendments of their own that went a considerable way to meeting the previous objections made by groups such as the BHA to the bill.
But in the end, Ms Stinson commented, ‘It proved too little, too late‘.
She went on to comment on government claims that the bill as now passed would not be sufficient to protect religious groups from the incitement of hatred:
‘If that proves to be the case, it is totally due to the government’s own intransigence. The BHA and others were very willing to work with the government to achieve the right balance between protecting vulnerable minorities and safeguarding free speech. They refused to listen.’
For further comment, telephone Hanne Stinson on 02070793580 or 02070793583.
ENDS ‘It proved too little, too late.’
She went on to comment on government claims that the bill as now passed would not be sufficient to protect religious groups from the incitement of hatred:
‘If that proves to be the case, it is totally due to the government’s own intransigence. The BHA and others were very willing to work with the government to achieve the right balance between protecting vulnerable minorities and safeguarding free speech. They refused to listen.’
For further comment, telephone Hanne Stinson on 02070793580 or 02070793583.