U.K. Government's vote for the Religious Hatred Bill on Monday

The British government still plans to go ahead with the vote on the Religious Hatred Bill. This is the e-mail I have just received. Your prayers would be much appreciated. We thought we lived in a democracy, BUT...

Dear Supporter,

Despite the terrorist outrage in London, the timetable of Parliament has not altered significantly. A crucial Commons vote on the Religious Hatred Bill is still scheduled to be held on Monday.

The Christian Institute is still encouraging supporters to contact their MP before Monday's debate. We are aware of other initiatives currently being circulated to Christians, but in our judgement, based on very long experience, prayer and contacting MPs represents the tactical priority at this stage.

The Muslim Council of Britain says it fears a backlash of anti-Muslim hatred following the bombings. No doubt this will be used to argue there is a greater need for an 'incitement to religious hatred' offence. Christians rightly oppose any hatred or inappropriate activity directed against Muslims, or any other person. However, any threatening behaviour or harassment of Muslims - or anyone else - is already thoroughly covered by existing laws.

CONTACT YOUR MP

You can ring your MP at the House of Commons on Monday morning. Telephone 0207 219 3000 and ask for your MP by name. Some MPs may say the London bombings show the need for a 'religious hatred' offence. However:

1. Inciting anyone to commit a crime is clearly already illegal.
2. Nothing in the Religious Hatred Bill will give police extra powers to combat terrorism.
3. A 'religious hatred' law will stir up religious tension with different religious groups threatening to use the new law against each other.

I am sure you join me in praying for those injured in the London explosions, for the families of the those who have died and for the governing authorities as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice and protect the public.

Yours in Christ,

Colin Hart
Director
The Christian Institute