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 Victory for Free Speech as House of Lords Upholds the Right to Discuss Homosexual Conduct
The Christian Institute and CCFON report today that the Government has been defeated in the House of Lords over its attempt to repeal a free speech protection from the Coroners and Justice Bill.
Peers voted by 186 to 133 to keep the protection in place. The matter will be passed back to the House of Commons where MPs voted for repeal.
The protection makes clear that criticising homosexual conduct or encouraging people to refrain from such conduct is not, in itself, a crime.
According to CCFON this victory is of fundamental importance to Christians and to all who wish to discuss or criticise homosexual conduct freely, without the fear of 7 years’ imprisonment.
According to Andrea Minichiello Williams, from Christian Concern for our Nation, the vast majority of Christians and Church Leaders are still unaware of the impact the Bill could have had.
"We hope the Government, which has been trying to remove this free speech protection by the back door, will listen and heed how the House of Lords has voted today and will recognise that if they proceed with their plans, there will be an election coming up soon and Christians will vote in response to the way this Government has consistently marginalised and hindered freedom of speech for every citizen in this country."
Let us continue to pray that our freedom of speech will be protected when the Bill goes back to the Commons.
Click here for Christian Institute report
Click here for CCFON report
(Sources: Christian Institute and CCFON, 09/07/09)
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