February 02 , 2006
The United Kingdom parliament has approved a weakened version of a contentious religious hatred law. The new 'Racial and Religious Hatred Bill' will make it illegal to intentionally use "threatening" words and behaviour to stir up hatred, but saying things that are merely critical, abusive or insulting will not be an offence. An alliance of evangelical groups, atheists and comedians, including film star Rowan Atkinson, has campaigned against the law. They claimed it would curb free speech and even outlaw religious jokes. Jews and Sikhs are already covered under race hate laws but the new offense would protect Muslims, Christians and other groups on the basis of their beliefs. Atkinson said he was pleased the right to "criticise and ridicule" religions was not banned.