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Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

Is it not the case—this is illustrated by a certain pending prosecution against the BNP at the moment—that the reason Jews and Sikhs are protected, as the noble Earl indicated, is because of their ethnicity, not because of their religious beliefs? Therefore, if, for example, a Muslim of Asian origin was to be attacked in precisely the same way because of his or her ethnicity, the same would apply. I have listened very carefully to the Minister. Am I right in saying—it is vital to know this before we decide what to do—that so far she has rejected two of three essential safeguards? First, she said that threatening alone will not do; and, secondly, she said that specific intent is too narrow. I am waiting to hear what she has to say about free speech, other than the Human Rights Act.