Statement on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

Alison Jackson, Methodist Secretary for Parliamentary andPolitical Affairs: 'The Methodist Church opposes incitement tohatred of people for any reason, including their religious beliefs.We also support freedom of speech, including the right toevangelise. We did not share the concern that the Government'sproposals would accidentally compromise the right to evangelise.Our concern is that the weaker form that the legislation has nowtaken may leave a loophole through which extremist groups cantarget those who are in a vulnerable position in society.'