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Proceeding contribution from David Howarth (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 24 March 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Coroners and Justice Bill.

Coroners and Justice Bill

That is why it is very important that we have specific legislation to give guidance to the authorities about how they implement the new laws. The offence that is usually referred to, as in the cases of Miguel Hayworth and Stephen Green, concerns section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986, whereby it is a crime to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby. In my view, that provision is in itself a violation of freedom of speech. It seems to allow prosecution merely for insults, and for insults that are merely likely to cause distress but have not necessarily done so.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
490 c189 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Complaints Disclosure of information Data protection Databases Codes of practice Accountability Armed forces Alternatives to prison Coroners Damage Finance Homicide Government departments Discrimination Industrial accidents Immunity from prosecution Freedom of expression Offenders Private sector Personal records Protection Powers Public bodies Property Staff Paedophilia Scotland Rehabilitation Sentencing Standards Witnesses Sexuality Religious freedom Sanctions Reoffenders Information Commissioner's Office Homophobia Sentencing Council for England and Wales
Legislation
Coroners and Justice Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk