I wish I could share James Hulme's optimism over the proposed law against incitement to religious hatred (see [2004] Gazette, 20 January, 14). Unfortunately, recent experiences both in this country and abroad lead me to believe that such legislation would restrict legitimate debate and freedom of expression.


In Australia, no more than a month or so ago, two church leaders were convicted under similar legislation - their 'crime' was unfavourably to compare Islam with Christianity.


Whatever one thinks of that view, a person surely has the right to air it without being criminalised.


If such a law is enacted here, no matter how well-intentioned, we will have slipped even further down the slope of eroding our freedom of speech.



Philip Martin-Summers, Higgs & Sons, Kingswinford, W Midlands