Concerns over Government 'counter-extremism' plans revived
A number of groups have once again spoken against the Government's plans to tackle extremism, following new measures revealed in the Queen's speech yesterday.
The Counter Extremism and Safeguarding Bill includes measures designed primarily to clamp down on radicalisation by hard-line Islamists, with the Queen saying yesterday that it will "prevent radicalisation, tackle extremism in all its forms and promote community integration".
Yet since the strategy was revealed last October, it has been met with a wide range of opposition, from Christian, secular and other organisations, due to implications on freedom of speech.
Christian Concern and others have previously highlighted how Christian freedoms will be affected by the plans.
Unclear definitions
October's publication of the government's 'counter-extremism strategy' focuses on "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values".
According to the Guardian, an eight month struggle to find a "legally robust" definition of extremism is behind the delay in bringing the proposals forward.
Vague and open-ended definitions were among a number of criticisms Christian Concern expressed on the day of the 'Counter-Extremism Strategy's' publication.
Despite yesterday's speech, the definitions of both 'extremism' and 'British values' remain unclear.
'Liberal values'
In a foreword to the speech, Prime Minister David Cameron said we must "recognise that extremists - both violent and non-violent - are trying to drive our country apart.
"So this Queen's speech stands up for our liberal values by taking on the extremists with new powers to disrupt their activities, while protecting young people in unregulated schools from those who preach a message of intolerance and separatism."
It is still unclear how 'extremism' will be tackled without affecting freedom of speech.
Under the new proposals, there is undoubtedly an issue that voicing any opposition to same-sex 'marriage', stating that salvation is found through Jesus Christ alone, or saying that the God of the Bible is not the same as the Allah of the Qu'ran, could be against the law.
"The government's move to counter extremism must not end up silencing us all," said Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive of Index on Censorship. "We should resist any attempts to make it a crime for people of faith to talk publicly about their beliefs, for political parties to voice unpopular views, and for venues from universities to village halls to host anyone whose opinions challenge the status quo. We urge the government to use its consultation to ensure this does not happen."
Ofsted church activity inspections
Amongst the concerns raised by Christian groups, including Christian Concern, are proposed measures to force Church youth groups such as Sunday schools to register and be made subject to inspection.
This could affect the freedom of Christians to teach from the whole Bible.
Ofsted's Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw revealed the measures in January this year, provoking widespread objection.
So far there have been no reassurances that this proposal has been revoked, although further details about the Bill are to be revealed later.
Christian Concern's Chief Executive, Andrea Williams, has previously described the strategy as "severely flawed".
"In its current form, this strategy represents a major challenge to the freedom of Christians and many others."
Related Links:
Queen's Speech hits hate preachers brainwashing young people with new extremism law (Mirror)
Cameron terror strategy runs aground on definition of extremism (Guardian)
Read Christian Concern's initial observations on the government's 'counter-extrmism strategy'
Christian charities urge opposition to government plans for registration and inspection of church youth work
Watch Professor Julian Rivers explain the 'Counter-Extremism Strategy' at Synod
