The 'homophobic hatred' offence, free speech and religious liberty

Response to the Charity Commission's draft guidance on public benefit and religious charities

June 2008

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Word

The Charity Commission is currently holding a public consultation on its Draft Public Benefit Guidance for religious charities. The Commission has asked a series of questions to which it invites responses. However, in addition to these questions, The Christian Institute wishes to highlight issues about which the Commission has not asked.

Legal Defence Fund News

May 2008

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This newsletter includes:

Important new cases
Building on past successes
Litigation lawyer appointed to Institute staff
Christian registrar disciplined over civil partnerships
Google faces court for refusing Institute’s pro-life advert
Much more...

Religious liberty in the workplace

A guide for Christian employees

February 2008

Mark Jones

PDF

This handy guide, written by an employment lawyer, addresses common questions of concern to Christians in the workplace:

Can I wear a cross?
Can I share my faith in the workplace?
Can I give a Christian opinion on controversial topics?
I am worried I might be accused of being homophobic.
Can I object where my employer has asked me to undertake duties that are contrary to my Christian conscience?
Much more...

The 'homophobic hatred' offence,
free speech and religious liberty

Clause 126 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

January 2008

PDF

Clause 126 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill introduces a new offence of inciting hatred on grounds of sexual orientation. There is wide-spread concern about 'hate speech' legislation and its impact on freedom of expression. This booklet sets out the concerns about the impact of a proposed 'homophobic hatred' law on free speech and religious liberty.

Giving out free Christian literature in public places

Submission of The Christian Institute to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill Public Bill Committee

October 2007

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A submission to a committee of MPs from The Christian Institute arguing against a proposed offence outlawing incitement to 'homophobic hatred'. The submission shows how such a law is not necessary and would harm free speech and religious liberty.

Sexual orientation
regulations briefing

September 2007

PDF

The briefing includes:

News on the High Court victory for religious freedom
Removal of 'harassment' will protect free speech
Regulations do not apply to school lessons
Christians shouldn't be forced to act against their 'core beliefs'
Much more...

Response to discrimination
law review

September 2007

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RTF

The Christian Institute's response to 'A Framework for Fairness', the Government's proposals for a Single Equality Bill.

Giving out free Christian
literature in public places

May 2007

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A guide explaining the law relating to the distribution of free Christian literature in public places, including two case studies.

The law relating to street evangelism

April 2007

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The Open Air Mission obtained legal advice on evangelism in public places. We have reproduced this advice with kind permission of OAM and its solicitor. The law applies only to England and Wales.

This is provided for information purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for legal advice.

Sexual orientation
regulations briefing

March 2007

This briefing can be downloaded in either a standard format, or a booklet version (ideal for use with double-sided printers).

This briefing includes:

A summary of the regulations
How they might affect various professions and businesses
What you can do

Sexual orientation
regulations briefing

April 2006

PDF

The Government is planning sweeping gay rights laws which threaten to curtail religious liberty. The new sexual orientation regulations will make 'homophobic' discrimination illegal in many aspects of life. They are set to cover: the provision of goods, facilities and services; the selling or letting of premises; education; and public authorities.