Government Signals Blasphemy Concession - HARRIS

12.00.00am GMT Wed 9th Jan 2008

Responding to suggestions that the Government have accepted the need to abolish the blasphemy law, Dr Evan Harris MP (Liberal Democrat) - who tabled an amendment abolishing the blasphemy offences due to be debated this evening during the report stage of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill - said:

"While I do not think there is a need for any further consultation with the Church of England who have had hundred of years to try to justify this restriction of free speech, the many MPs and leading figures from the world of arts, publishing, comedy and theatre who also want rid of this unjustified restriction on freedom of expression will join me in welcoming the Government's concession.

"As a result of the Government's acceptance of the need to repeal, at the time this Bill becomes law, Britain will no longer have an unnecessary, discriminatory and illiberal blasphemy offence and will be in a far better position to ensure respect for human rights in countries like Sudan, Pakistan and elsewhere."

Lisa Appignanesi, President of EnglishPEN which campaigns on behalf of writers, said:

"Writers and the entire creative community welcome the Government's decision to put their weight behind the repeal of the Blasphemy Laws in this Bill. These dusty and contentious constraints on free expression have hovered over us for too long. They have taken up expensive time in the courts and have incited the many faiths in Britain against one another, while at the same time restricting creative freedom. Abolishing these obsolete laws will mark an important step in consolidating a secular and plural democracy."

Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society, said:

"One of my predecessors was imprisoned for a year for blasphemy. The blasphemy common law is harsher now than in 1921. I am pleased that the government now accepts the logic of abolishing this affront to justice. In a multicultural society, no one should have the right not to be offended; we should protect people, not beliefs."

ENDS