Around 2,000 people protested outside Parliament on Tuesday October 11 against the government’s proposed religious hatred legislation.
The demonstration, organised by a coalition of Christian and secular groups, coincided with the second reading of the Incitement to Religious Hatred Bill in the House of Lords. It was enthusiastic, yet orderly, and there was a great mix of people from across the races and denominations. Baroness Cox, supporting the protest, said to the crowd that the Christians’ singing could be heard inside the House.
While the demonstrators said they were against all religious hatred, they believe that the Bill, if it is passed is likely to have the opposite effect to that intended. It could set one faith group against another and provide legal ammunition in court.
