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Proceeding contribution from Julian Lewis (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 31 January 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on Racial and Religious Hatred Bill 2005-06.


Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

Will my hon. Friend consider a slightly different angle on the problems that the Bill is likely to create? If a group of people following a particular form of undesirable activity set themselves up as a cult or religion, could they not use the Bill to claim protection from criticism? It is gradually dawning on moderate Muslims just how restrictive the Bill could be. For instance, a group or people with bizarre sexual preferences might say that those practices were part of their religion. [Hon. Members: ““Like the Liberal Democrats.””] I was not referring to the Liberal Democrats. Could someone criticise that group of people without falling into the trap that the Government are blunderingly setting out for the House?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
442 c211 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Devolved matters Incitement Freedom of expression Racially aggravated offences Race relations Performing arts Scotland Religion Religious hatred Religious freedom Religiously aggravated offences
Legislation
Racial and Religious Hatred Bill (HL) 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk