Dear Lord Forsyth,
I am writing to you with regard to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill and, in particular, to Clause 126 which introduces a new offence of inciting hatred on grounds of sexual orientation. My main concern is that, unlike the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006, this Bill does not have a “Free Speech” clause similar to Clause 29J of the aforementioned Act.
The clear teaching of the Bible is that the practice of homosexuality is sinful, and it is a simple statement of fact that it is unnatural and unproductive. This proposed law would threaten my liberty, as a minister of the Gospel, to express that belief, with a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment. This is, of course, something I am prepared to suffer for the sake of my personal integrity, and of faithfulness to the Lord Whom I seek (however imperfectly!) to serve.
It could be argued that this law would not apply to Scotland. However, it would have an impact on any Scottish publishing or broadcast material that is made available inEngland and, especially with the wide use of the internet, this would apply to a large percentage of such material. The prospect of English Force police officers travelling over the border to question Scottish Christians on e.g. the content of a personal blog, or a Christian radio station broadcast is, surely, totally unacceptable.
It should, of course, be made clear that Christians are not opposed to this proposition because we “hate” either homosexuals or lesbians. All Biblical Christians (and anything else is a travesty of the truth) are enjoined to love them as they must love all of their neighbours. This rules out any personal hatred or animosity towards these groups within society. However, Christian ethics draws a distinction between the sin and the sinner – condemning the former while loving the latter.
It has already been the case that so-called “gay” activists have sought to use existing law to silence those who oppose their lifestyle. I refer you to e.g. the investigation into the Rt Rev the Bishop of Chester, in 2003; the complaint against the Christian Union of the University of Cambridge following its hosting of a meeting, in 2004, in which the Dean of Sydney Cathedral articulated a traditional Biblical view of the practice of homosexuality; and the case of Mr and Mrs J Roberts, in 2005. Such ‘malicious’ activity would only be encouraged if this law were to enter the statute book without amendment. It is interesting that even prominent homosexuals such as Peter Tatchell and Matthew Parris are also opposed to the introduction of this law – on the ground that it signifies a weakness in their cause that it requires the law to, so overtly, support it.
I am asking you, therefore, to support a “Free Speech” amendment to the ‘gay hatred’ crime in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill when it comes before the House of Lords, and to encourage other Noble Lords to do the same.
Thank you, in anticipation of your assistance and support,
Yours sincerely,
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