Blair outvoted on religious hatred
Herald Sun ^ | 1 February 2006

Posted on 01/31/2006 2:36:43 PM PST by Aussie Dasher

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair was defeated today when parts of his government's plans to ban incitement to religious hatred were voted down in the House of Commons.

Amendments put forward by the House of Lords were accepted by narrow majorities of 10 and one, although the government has a theoretical majority of 65 over the opposition parties. The legislation had attracted criticism as muzzling free speech. It would have made incitement to religious hatred punishable by a jail term of up to seven years.

Junior Home Office minister Paul Goggins told the Commons: ``We are seeking to close a loophole in the law, which is not a huge loophole''.

It was designed to protect the Muslim community which cannot use existing legislation banning incitement to racial hatred because Muslims do not form a race.

But an alliance of religious leaders, humanists, artists and comedians opposed it.

It was the second time since taking office in 1997 that Blair has been defeated in the Commons.

In November parliamentarians refused to accept his call for a 90 day detention period for terrorist suspects. After the vote conservative opposition members called on Blair to quit.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the government accepted the outcome of the vote.