Freedom of Belief vs. Freedom of Speech

Take a look at this and then read on.

Firstly, I want to make it clear that I'm all for people being safe to be able to live their life in accordance with their own beliefs (or lack thereof) providing that those beliefs do not harm others.

That said, I'm not entirely comfortable with the new proposed law which plans to make it illegal to "knowingly use words or behaviour which are threatening, insulting or abusive in a way designed to stir up hatred against an individual because of what they believe".

I get the point of legislation against incitement of hatred against a particular group of people. But the problem is what is threatening, insulting or abusive to one might be seen as harmless criticism or even amusing commentary to others.

A number of people have pointed out that similar legislation here and overseas has been manipulated and twisted in ways not originally intended. From what I have read about this legislation, it sounds as if the limits need to be a bit more defined so it is not abused and used to restrict free speech. The freedom to promote your beliefs and respectfully criticise (or even poke gentle fun at) others is important. Debate enables us to grow and develop.

Happy Journeys