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RELIGIOUS HATRED LEGISLATION: Atkinson opposes; ENGLAND London INT Rowan Atkinson (Comedian) interview SOT - I am concerned that it (Incitement of Religious Hatred Bill) invests too much power in the government over who says what and when/ the definition of "incitement" in the bill is so short and all-encompassing that is has the potential to prosecute anyone who raises a voice against a religious belief or idea - what if your ridicule incites people to religious hatred/ ridicule of a religion that incites anybody to then hate a religion could lead to conviction of incitement to religious hatred/ we appreciate that certain people have abused freedom of speech and expression and express racial hatred with no other intention but to incite hatred against that racial group/ this amendment is intended to clarify this situation - the harassment of religious communities is a relatively small nut to crack, the government have come back with a sledgehammer to crack it/ why did you bring a sledgehammer when we asked for a nutcracker/ you can't help thinking that there is another agenda that is not being discussed/ it is about fundamentalists from all religions who believe religion should be granted exemption from all criticism and ridicule --------------------------------------------------- Clean Feed Tape = D0600630 OR D0600629 00:20:29:19 - 00:24:18:20 FX/FX Programme as Broadcast Tape = D0600628 Order Ref: T20060547