Bill aims to protect freedom to criticise Islam

A bill aimed at preventing the Public Order Act 1986 from being used to prosecute legitimate criticism of Islam is due for its second reading in the Commons on 12 September.

The Freedom of Expression (Religion or Belief System) Bill was introduced in June by Nick Timothy MP and co-signed by another 11 MPs. It would extend the scope of section 29J of the Act – which protects the freedom to criticise religion in specific circumstances – to the whole of the Act.

Nick Timothy said the issue is “the way that sections four and five of the Public Order Act 1986 are being used – far beyond the intent of Parliament – to police what we can and cannot say about Islam”.