Submitted on Saturday 30th November 2024
Rejected on Monday 20th January 2025
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: no-action (see below for details)
The UK does NOT need a blasphemy law
We urge the UK Government to reject any proposals to reintroduce blasphemy laws. These laws restrict free speech, privilege specific religions, and harm social cohesion. Existing hate speech laws already protect individuals from harm without curbing the right to question or criticise beliefs.
Reintroducing blasphemy laws would undermine free speech, a cornerstone of democracy, by penalising the critique of religious beliefs. Such laws historically caused inequality, privileging some faiths while marginalising others. They would also create fear, stifling debate, art, and academia. Existing hate speech laws ensure protections without limiting expression. The UK must champion open dialogue and equality, not regress to laws that threaten liberty and fairness.
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The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
The Government have said that they are not going to introduce blasphemy laws:
hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2024-12-18/debates/ba455fa1-fb15-4e1b-b4c9-884dfdaeb83e/CommonsChamber#contribution-83E4227E-B766-4980-9AFC-A77C90D20A59
18.119.158.142 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:51:03 +0000
