Religious Intelligence: Concern in Britain over new legal restrictions

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.

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Posted in * Culture-Watch, * International News & Commentary, England / UK, Law & Legal Issues, Religion & Culture

8 comments on “Religious Intelligence: Concern in Britain over new legal restrictions

  1. jeff marx says:

    It is a short trip from the traditional belief being a “disagreement” to “offense” to “criminal.”
    The speed with which this debate has “evolved” is stunning. The intolerance of those who preach tolerance is clear. Being an orthodox Christian in the days ahead will be much more difficult. And I do not think starting new churches will answer the civil problems we may be facing in a few years….

  2. Albany+ says:

    Thought Crimes, anyone?

  3. RalphM says:

    England – just when I finally have time to visit, it’s dissappearing…

  4. nwlayman says:

    From the country that gave you Anglicanism via Henry VIII, more of the same. Open disagreement with the Queen’s ideas of order will get you charged with treason very soon.

  5. Br. Michael says:

    Well its coming here.

    [blockquote] CONCORD, N.H. — Gay marriage is on hold in New Hampshire.

    Gov. John Lynch has demanded changes before he’ll sign legislation that would make the state the sixth to allow gay marriage, but those changes failed by two votes in the state House on Wednesday.

    Lynch, a Democrat, said last week he wouldn’t sign the legislation without language to better protect churches and their employees against lawsuits if their beliefs preclude them from marrying gays.

    The House has instead voted to further negotiate with the Senate, which approved the changes Wednesday.[/blockquote]http://www.newsmax.com/us/us_xgr_gay_marriage_new_hampshire/2009/05/20/216589.html

    The gays don’t want tolerance they want full acceptance. A conscience provision for people who don’t accept the gay agenda is unacceptable.

  6. azusa says:

    Few people in the US may know how pervasive the homosexual ‘movement’ is within the UK government. Prime Minister Brown’s chief advisor is a partnered gay, and so are his Cabinet Ministers Lord Mandelson (Tony Blair’s closest friend) and Angela Eagle, and some of the most senior Labour leaders of the House of Commons (Nick Brown, ex-priest Chris Bryan, priest’s son Ben Bradshaw and others). This is a matter of great personal importance to the British Left.

  7. RalphM says:

    #5 Brother Michael: “The gays don’t want tolerance they want full acceptance.”
    I fear, Br. Michael, that it is full control, not full acceptance that they seek.

  8. libraryjim says:

    Welcome to the decline and fall of Western Civilization.