Religious Hatred Bill - Letter to James Plaskitt MP

Letter to my MP - James Plaskitt

James,

I know we have discussed the Racial & Religious Hatred Bill previously, but now is the time to change your mind and not allow religious fundamentalists to curtail our freedom, democracy and human rights.

This Bill would destroy my right to express my views on religion. In addition it is badly drafted, as the House of Lords understood too clearly. Don't get me wrong, I have never been a supporter of an unelected second chamber, but they are right on the part of the bill dealing with prosecutions, which do not require intent to be proved. This is a fundamental part of justice...surely you must understand this?

Though I am opposed to the entire Bill, the amendment proposed by the House of Lords is a sensible compromise and one I ask you to support. I know you are a government minister, but you are also a campaigner for democracy. This Bill represents religion getting a further stranglehold on our society. It is my right to condemn the religious to ridicule and it is not for medieval laws to protect the indefensible.

When I moved from Leamington to Birmingham in 1999, I attended my local Labour Party branch where a large religious group were members. This religious group subsequently told me and I quote, "Gay people should not be allowed out of the house! If you leave, you should be beaten" When challenged about this statement, they replied that their religion is clear and it is more important than anything else, including human rights. Another time, a different religious group at a fund-raising meeting tried to exorcise Satan from my being, because I brought along my boyfriend.

This is the kind of evil and stupidity you are protecting in this Bill. Attitudes which see a new generation brain-washed; views so distasteful they make me sick and legitimacy which makes them stronger, only to permeate through more levels of society.

Please support the amendment.

Paul Bell