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07/07/2004
Incitement to religious hatred laws promised 'soon'
An offence of incitement to religious hatred will be introduced "as soon as possible" to help tackle extremists who used religion to stir up hatred in society, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
The Home Secretary told the IPPR's 'New challenges for race equality and community cohesion in the 21st century' event at The Chartered Insurance Institute today that extremists did not represent the communities they claimed to speak for and sidelining them was "an essential part of fighting racism in modern Britain".
Mr Blunkett said: "We have to face down extremism and racism in all its forms if we are to promote a positive, inclusive sense of British identity and citizenship which newcomers feel welcome to commit to and which established communities feel proud of be part of.
"The government has already introduced tougher penalties for racial and religious hate crime. We tried unsuccessfully to introduce an offence of incitement to religious hatred in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks but I hope we will now have the parliamentary backing to put this in law.
"I am very clear that some of the noisiest and most high profile political and religious extremists in this country have no mandate to speak for the communities they claim to represent and evoke a reaction which plays into the hands of racists. There is a responsibility on all of us to challenge the myths and stereotypes they use which turn fear and insecurity into resentment and prejudice."
Mr Blunkett also said that he would lay an order today to bring in new requirements for testing the English language of people applying for British citizenship. In the autumn, the government said that it will bring in new English language courses which will use teaching materials based on citizenship.
The Home Office published a consultation pamphlet Strength in Diversity last month to begin the debate ahead of the government's race strategy which will be published in the autumn.
The four central themes of the Strength in Diversity paper are: promoting inclusive notions of citizenship, identity and belonging; eradicating racism and extremism; tackling inequalities and opening opportunities for all, and building cohesive communities.
(gmcg)
The Home Secretary told the IPPR's 'New challenges for race equality and community cohesion in the 21st century' event at The Chartered Insurance Institute today that extremists did not represent the communities they claimed to speak for and sidelining them was "an essential part of fighting racism in modern Britain".
Mr Blunkett said: "We have to face down extremism and racism in all its forms if we are to promote a positive, inclusive sense of British identity and citizenship which newcomers feel welcome to commit to and which established communities feel proud of be part of.
"The government has already introduced tougher penalties for racial and religious hate crime. We tried unsuccessfully to introduce an offence of incitement to religious hatred in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks but I hope we will now have the parliamentary backing to put this in law.
"I am very clear that some of the noisiest and most high profile political and religious extremists in this country have no mandate to speak for the communities they claim to represent and evoke a reaction which plays into the hands of racists. There is a responsibility on all of us to challenge the myths and stereotypes they use which turn fear and insecurity into resentment and prejudice."
Mr Blunkett also said that he would lay an order today to bring in new requirements for testing the English language of people applying for British citizenship. In the autumn, the government said that it will bring in new English language courses which will use teaching materials based on citizenship.
The Home Office published a consultation pamphlet Strength in Diversity last month to begin the debate ahead of the government's race strategy which will be published in the autumn.
The four central themes of the Strength in Diversity paper are: promoting inclusive notions of citizenship, identity and belonging; eradicating racism and extremism; tackling inequalities and opening opportunities for all, and building cohesive communities.
(gmcg)
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17 May 2004
Census highlights divide on religious discrimination
Most Britons who belong to a minority religion believe that enough is being done to tackle religious discrimination, but only half of UK Christians agree, according to data published today.
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Most Britons who belong to a minority religion believe that enough is being done to tackle religious discrimination, but only half of UK Christians agree, according to data published today.
09 June 2005
Religious hatred bill announced
The government has published a bill aimed at protecting individuals from religious hatred. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, which is being reintroduced to Parliament today, would protect members of all faiths from incited hatred.
Religious hatred bill announced
The government has published a bill aimed at protecting individuals from religious hatred. The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, which is being reintroduced to Parliament today, would protect members of all faiths from incited hatred.
07 April 2005
Liberal Democrats pledge to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred
Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, today pledged to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred, adding that he was disappointed that Labour had rejected Liberal Democrat plans to tighten up the law whilst preserving free speech.
Liberal Democrats pledge to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred
Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, today pledged to outlaw racism disguised as religious hatred, adding that he was disappointed that Labour had rejected Liberal Democrat plans to tighten up the law whilst preserving free speech.
28 October 2008
Tough Measures Banning 'Preachers Of Hate' Introduced
Tougher measures that would prevent extremists from entering Britain have been outlined by the Home Secretary today. The new rules, announced by Jacqui Smith, will make it easier to exclude those who would enter the UK with the intentions of stirring up religious or racial hatred.
Tough Measures Banning 'Preachers Of Hate' Introduced
Tougher measures that would prevent extremists from entering Britain have been outlined by the Home Secretary today. The new rules, announced by Jacqui Smith, will make it easier to exclude those who would enter the UK with the intentions of stirring up religious or racial hatred.
04 November 2003
Transport need of ethnic minorities highlighted
New guidance has been published today encouraging the transport industry to provide for the needs of ethnic and faith minorities.
Transport need of ethnic minorities highlighted
New guidance has been published today encouraging the transport industry to provide for the needs of ethnic and faith minorities.
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