The British Humanist Association (BHA) has welcomed indications by Minister Maria Eagle that the Government intends to make amendments to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill to abolish the laws of blasphemy and blasphemous libel.
Speaking in the Commons earlier, Maria Eagle said that the Government has ‘every sympathy for the case for formal abolition’ and that, following a ‘short and sharp’ consultation with the Church of England, the Government intends to bring forward amendments to get rid of the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Public Affairs Officer, said, ‘We have long campaigned for the abolition of the blasphemy laws and we are delighted that the Government has made clear that it is high time for Parliament to make a decision about whether to abolish these outdated and discriminatory laws.’
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The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination based on religion or belief. It is the largest organisation in the UK working for a secular state.
For further comment or info rmation, please contact Naomi Phillips by email or 020 7079 3585.
Find more info rmation about the BHA’s position on blasphemy at humanists.uk.