07/04/2005

Liberal Democrats pledge to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred

Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, today pledged to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred, adding that he was disappointed that Labour had rejected Liberal Democrat plans to tighten up the law whilst preserving free speech.

Mr Oaten said: "There is a real problem with far-right groups using attacks on religion to stir up trouble in our communities. This is racism by any other name, and the law needs to be tightened up.

"Labour's proposal would create more problems than it solves. We have discussed this with Muslim and other communities and have put forward an alternative in the form of an extension of the law to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred.

"This is a serious solution to a serious problem. Labour is wrong to reject it out of hand."

(GB)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 July 2004
Incitement to religious hatred laws promised 'soon'
An offence of incitement to religious hatred will be introduced "as soon as possible" to help tackle extremists who used religion to stir up hatred in society, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
09 June 2005
Religious hatred bill announced
The government has published a bill aimed at protecting individuals from religious hatred. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, which is being reintroduced to Parliament today, would protect members of all faiths from incited hatred.
28 October 2008
Tough Measures Banning 'Preachers Of Hate' Introduced
Tougher measures that would prevent extremists from entering Britain have been outlined by the Home Secretary today. The new rules, announced by Jacqui Smith, will make it easier to exclude those who would enter the UK with the intentions of stirring up religious or racial hatred.
24 May 2013
Woolwich Murder: Two Arrested Over 'Offensive' Twitter Comments
Two men were arrested for allegedly making offensive remarks on Twitter about the murder of British soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich. A 23-year-old and a 22-year-old, both from Bristol, were being held under the public order act on suspicion of inciting racial or religious hatred.
17 February 2011
Churches 'Opened' To Gay Ceremonies
As part of its commitment to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB and T) people, the UK Government has announced that religious buildings will be allowed to host civil partnership registrations.