Freedom of Speech Upheld  

In a momentous debate and ensuing vote in the House of Lords on 9 July, freedom for people to express concerns about same-sex sexual practice was upheld. Many Peers were courageous and outspoken in defending the freedom of speech. To read the full debate please go HERE.   The Government’s Clause 61 sought to repeal an amendment made to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill last year, tabled by Lord Waddington, that safeguards freedom of speech. Thursday’s vote, which was on whether Clause 61 of the Coroners and Justice Bill should be included on the face of the bill (and thus the Waddington free speech clause be removed) was won by a majority of 53, 133 Lords voted for the Clause while 186 voted against.   The Waddington amendment makes it clear in law that the offence of inciting hatred against homosexuals does not include expressing views which are critical of same sex sexual relationships and this means that Christians expressing compassionate, biblical views about sexual conduct should not be at risk of lengthy police investigations and cowed into silence.