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See other news storiesNew law outlaws incitement of religious hatred
1 October 2007
Threatening people because of their religion is now an offence.
The Racial and Religious Hatred Act comes into effect today, forbidding threats and other intimidating statements intended to stir up hatred against people because of their religious beliefs.
The act is similar to the Public Order 1986 Act forbidding inciting racial hatred.
Although Jews and Sikhs were found by courts to be racial groups (and thus protected under race hatred laws) members of other religions - including Muslims and Christians - were not.
The legislation that came into effect this week equalises that situation by giving all religions the same protection.
The new act outlaws the use of threatening words or behaviour intended to incite hatred against groups of people because of their faith.
The law protects the right to free speech by requiring that the prosecution in any case prove that anybody charged with violating the law actually intended to stir up religious hatred.
This offence has a higher legal threshold than laws on race hatred because the government appreciates that religious beliefs are a legitimate subject of public discussion and debate.
Protecting people from bigotry and hatred
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said the act 'closes a small but important gap' in the law.
'To be attacked or targeted because of your race or religion is wholly unacceptable. It can have a devastating effect on victims who find themselves on the receiving end of bigotry and hatred,' he said.
The government's overarching goal, he added, is to build a civilised society where we can all achieve our potential, free from prejudice.
