01 February 2006
Statement on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill
Alison Jackson, Methodist Secretary for Parliamentary and
Political Affairs: 'The Methodist Church opposes incitement to
hatred of people for any reason, including their religious beliefs.
We also support freedom of speech, including the right to
evangelise. We did not share the concern that the Government's
proposals would accidentally compromise the right to evangelise.
Our concern is that the weaker form that the legislation has now
taken may leave a loophole through which extremist groups can
target those who are in a vulnerable position in society.'