House of Lords backs reform affecting free speech
The House of Lords has voted in favour of reforming legislation that criminalises “insulting” words and behaviour.
The upper chamber voted 154 to 54 to remove the word “insulting” from section 5 of the Public Order Act.
Section 5 makes it a criminal offence for a person to use “threatening, abusive or insulting” words or behaviour that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Criticised
But the inclusion of the word “insulting” has been heavily criticised for restricting freedom of expression and has resulted in the arrest of a number of Christian preachers.
In 2010, Christian evangelist Michael Overd was arrested and charged under section 5 for preaching that homosexual practice is sinful. The charges were later dropped by Taunton Magistrates Court.
Welcoming the result, Chief Executive of Christian Concern Andrea Williams said:
“Criminalising ‘insulting’ words or behaviour restricts the long-standing right to freedom of expression. The law as it stands has been misapplied by the police to arrest and penalise a number of Christian street preachers.
“It’s time for the law to be reformed to protect free speech and to ensure members of the public are able to speak their minds without fear of prosecution”.
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