The UK does NOT need a blasphemy law

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the UK Government to reject any proposals to reintroduce blasphemy laws. These laws restrict free speech, privilege specific religions, and harm social cohesion. Existing hate speech laws already protect individuals from harm without curbing the right to question or criticise beliefs.

Reintroducing blasphemy laws would undermine free speech, a cornerstone of democracy, by penalising the critique of religious beliefs. Such laws historically caused inequality, privileging some faiths while marginalising others. They would also create fear, stifling debate, art, and academia. Existing hate speech laws ensure protections without limiting expression. The UK must champion open dialogue and equality, not regress to laws that threaten liberty and fairness.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

The Government have said that they are not going to introduce blasphemy laws:
https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2024-12-18/debates/ba455fa1-fb15-4e1b-b4c9-884dfdaeb83e/CommonsChamber#contribution-83E4227E-B766-4980-9AFC-A77C90D20A59

Timeline

30 Nov 2024	Petition opened for signatures
20 Jan 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 20 Jan 2025

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