---

Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

I have no doubt that there will be absurd consequences. For example, I have no doubt that those who really do wish to stir up hatred will make speeches in which, although they use horrific language to criticise the beliefs and practices of other faiths, their every fifth phrase will be, ““But of course I exempt the practitioners.”” That will have exactly the same corrosive impact. It will cause exactly the same damage but they will be able to say, ““I am completely in the clear.”” Therefore, the mischief cuts in every direction. Far from bringing about the quietening of discourse, which is what I think the Minister intends, that will be exploited in every possible way. One will find that it will be the innocent who will fall foul of the law and will be left most defenceless.