Rowan Atkinson says there are "serious implications for freedom of speech".
Rowan Atkinson has heavily criticised the proposed law against incitement to 'homophobic' hatred. The popular comedian laments the "sad futility" of an "unnecessary" law in a letter to The Times.
He wrote, "This 'tick the box if you'd like a law to stop people being rude about you' is one way of filling the legislative programme, but there are serious implications for freedom of speech, humour and creative expression..."
He continues, "the casual ease with which some people move from finding something offensive to wishing to declare it criminal - and are then able to find factions within government to aid their ambitions - is truly depressing."
The proposed law is expected to come as an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. The Government has said it intends to include the grounds of transsexualism and disability in 'incitement to hatred' offences.
