BBC AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Early day motion 531, tabled 17 January 2005 by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 16 members.

That this House applauds the decision by the BBC to stick by its decision to broadcast , 'Jerry Springer - The Opera' on BBC2 on 8th January, despite the orchestrated campaign from religious pressure groups, the irresponsible actions of one of which caused alarm and distress to the families of BBC executives by making public their contact details and exposing them to hate attacks; believes that individuals have a choice whether or not to watch programmes which they are warned might be offensive to them, and that broadcasters have the right and duty to broadcast a variety of work, some of which may receive differing critical opinions; recognises that in any case this particular programme was of undoubted artistic merit as demonstrated by the opera having attracted a record number of awards, and substantial theatre audiences; reminds the BBC that its own study What the World Thinks of God suggested Britain was the most religiously sceptical country in the world and that as a publicly-funded national broadcaster the Corporation has a duty to reflect society in its output which will entail broadcasting programmes which some religious people find offensive; and calls on the BBC to stand firm against the increasingly assertive religious pressure being applied to restrict freedom of expression.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Scottish National Party 3, Liberal Democrat 2.