UK: Free speech shield in “homophobic hatred” bill voted down by MPs

The Christian Institute: “MPs voted 342 to 145 in favour of repealing the free speech protection during a debate on Lords amendments in the Coroners and Justice Bill.” The clause reads:

For the avoidance of doubt, the discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices or the urging of persons to refrain from or modify such conduct or practices shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred.

According to CCFON, “Lord Waddington and David Taylor, Labour MP for North West Leicestershire, wrote a letter to The Times expressing their view on the Government’s request to the House of Commons to repeal an important protection for free speech.” Text of the letter is here. An excerpt:

Police officers, pressurised by diversity training and furnished with guidance from the Home Office and the Crown Prosecution Service, seem to feel duty bound to come down like a ton of bricks on people who express disagreement with the behaviour of some gay rights activists, and members of the public are left feeling harassed and frightened.