The Christian Institute

Government defeated

We give thanks to God that on 9 November 2005 the House of Lords resoundingly rejected the Government's planned religious harassment law.

Peers voted by 216 to 126 for Lord Lester and Lady O'Cathain's amendment deleting religious harassment from the Bill (view peers who voted for the amendment, and peers who voted against).

Under the Government's plans it would be illegal for a public or state body to 'harass' an individual on the grounds of their religion or belief. Peers from all parties warned the religious harassment law could be used to restrict freedom of speech and religious liberty.

Many expressed fears that the law would encourage politically correct officials to stop public expressions of Christianity, such as evangelism or carol services - leading to more cases such as those we have seen in our newspapers in recent days.

The Equality Bill now goes to the House of Commons.