FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE REPEAL OF THE LAWS ON BLASPHEMY

Early day motion 445, tabled 21 December 2004 by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 27 members.

That this House recognises the right to peaceful protest about matters which are considered offensive, upsetting and insulting; further recognises the right of journalists, playwrights, novelists and others to conduct their business within the law; condemns the violence of the protests outside the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 18th December; regrets the decision of the theatre to cancel the play Bezhti on the grounds of safety to staff and public; calls on the Government and the police to ensure that there is no repetition of this violation of freedom of expression; further calls on the Government to recognise the need to communicate to religious leaders and their followers that there are no plans to create new blasphemy offences and recognises that such a message would be strengthened by the repeal of the existing law on blasphemy; and believes that such a repeal would help to ensure that freedom of expression is safeguarded and that there is no discrimination in respect of protection from criticism of parody of Christianity over other faiths.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2.