The bill has not done much for the simple reason that it was only enacted in law two days ago.

Although the bill was published in 2005, (and that was not the first attempt to get it into law), and passed as an Act of Parliament in 2006 its provisions only came into effect on 1st October 2007.

How effective it will be and to what extent it will be hijacked by petty and malicious claims remains to be seen.

Originally posted by timeless test
How effective it will be and to what extent it will be hijacked by petty and malicious claims remains to be seen.

It certainly seems like a law open to abuse like that. I'm all for allowing people to follow whatever particular religion they wish without having to fear any kind of abuse or persecution (provided they do not believe their religion supersedes the law or use it to harm others/force them to do something they don't want to do) but I'm also for allowing people to discuss, debate and criticise any religion they want to freely and without having to fear any consequences. This is not hatred; it is intelligent, sensible and democratic debate and must not be censored by anyone at all. The right to free speech is just as essential as the right to free religion. To disagree with something does not mean that you hate it, and people must take this into account before they start trying to accuse people under this law. I have a feeling some religious groups (especially from the three Abrahamic religions) will use this to try to silence their critics. If the law is used in this way, it must be repealed or thoroughly revised as swiftly as possible.

Welcome to the board ProTo Fire Fox, I hope you will enjoy your time here.

Like all British law this one will have a period of challenge and amendment and change (through the courts and Parliament).

Given that t is in fact so 'young' it is far too early to be making sweeping judgements about it.


[edit on 3-10-2007 by sminkeypinkey]