Alan Beith and five other MPs have tabled a free speech amendment.
A cross-party group of MPs has tabled a free speech amendment to the proposed incitement to 'homophobic hatred' law.
The amendment has been signed by MPs Jim Dobbin, Ann Widdecombe, Alan Beith, David Taylor, Philip Hollobone and Colin Breed. A vote is expected on Wednesday 9 January.
The amendment closely follows the suggested wording of protections called for in a joint statement issued last month by the Church of England and Roman Catholic bishops.
The joint statement said: "Christians engaged in teaching or preaching and those seeking to act in accord with Christian convictions in their daily lives need to be assured that the expression of strong opinions on marriage or sexuality will not be illegal."
Even those who are sympathetic to 'gay rights' have voiced free speech concerns about the planned hate law. Critics of the law include homosexual journalists, Matthew Paris and Iain Dale, and gay activist, Peter Tatchell.
The proposed law is part of the Government's Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which recently completed its committee stage in the House of Commons.
While the new amendment could provide important safeguards, critics say there is still a danger that the very existence of such a law could have a 'chilling effect' on free speech.
Stonewall, a homosexual lobby group, is campaigning against a free speech protection.
