Concern in Britain over new legal restrictions

Wednesday, 20th May 2009
By Judy West

Christians in Britain are mobilizing support after the Government moved to restrict freedom of speech provisions that could affect churches.

The Coroners and Justice Bill saw its Second Reading Debate in the House of Lords on Monday, May 18. At the centre of concerns are protections for religious workers who might oppose homosexuality. The Government has moved to restrict those who would be protected, and church groups, including the Church of England, have expressed concern at the lack of consultation.

Critics say that the Government is attempting to use the Coroners and Justice Bill to remove the free speech provision from the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. If the provision is removed, they say, doubt would be cast upon the legality of discussing or criticising homosexual practice.

Lord Bach, (Labour) Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice, introducing the Bill on behalf of the Government, contended that the Government had made it clear at the time the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act was passed that they would return to the issue of free speech. This is because they had not been content with the insertion of the free speech clause, but had allowed it to be included so that the Act as a whole could be passed. the rest