The Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church want Christian free speech protected.
Bishops from the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church have jointly called on the Government to protect free speech and religious liberty from a proposed 'gay hate' law.
The extensive statement also highlights concerns about "over-zealous" police and that the law will have a "chilling effect" on Christians. The Bishops question whether a new offence is needed at all because current laws may be adequate.
In a joint statement the Bishops say their main concern "is that any legislation on incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation permits the expression of traditional Christian (and other) opinions on sexual behaviour and consequent criticisms of particular forms of behaviour or lifestyle."
The statement adds: "Christians engaged in teaching or preaching and those seeking to act in accord with Christian convictions in their daily lives need to be assured that the expression of strong opinions on marriage or sexuality will not be illegal."
The Bishops are also concerned about police forces that have investigated Christians for their comments on homosexual practice. The statement says, "We are not encouraged by some examples of over-zealous action by the police, apparently under current legislation, against Christians who have publicly expressed traditional views on sexuality."
The joint statement also highlights concerns that Christians will needlessly censor themselves. "Uncertainty in the law has the effect of inhibiting behaviour which may not in fact be illegal," the statement says.
The Bishops say they are "not entirely convinced" that a new law is needed because current laws may be adequate. However, they question whether current laws are being enforced "effectively and equitably".
The joint statement puts yet more pressure on the Government to back down over its plans. The Attorney General, Baroness Scotland, recently said that a new offence is not needed because current laws can deal with the issue, according to The Times.
The Government's wording in full
