Criminalizing everything in England

On its way to the USA

[Reprinted from Issues & Views December 3, 2001]

In keeping with other newly created repressive laws in England, London's Telegraph reports on business as usual. In its November 27 edition we learn that "incitement to racial hatred" [which includes religion] is on the way to becoming a new criminal offense. Home Secretary David Blunkett has worked vigorously to get clauses of his new anti-terrorism legislation pushed through the House of Commons. The Telegraph reports:

The Home Secretary defied warnings from MPs from all sides that he risked eroding freedom of speech by bringing in legislation which some people believe could open up the risk of fire and brimstone preachers, or even comics who make anti-religious jokes, being sent to jail.

Oliver Letwin, the shadow home secretary, praised the "noble" intentions behind Mr Blunkett's proposal to outlaw incitement to religious hatred but said it could be used against the "vulnerable" religious groups it is supposed to protect. A Presbyterian preacher who denounced the Pope as the "Antichrist" could end up in jail for inciting hatred of Roman Catholics. More seriously, Mr Letwin suggested, the new law could be used to launch a malicious prosecution against a Muslim who made intemperate comments about Christianity.

Also, from the Telegraph we learn that the police in England are being directed to set up a "secret database" of children as young as three years old, who have been singled out as potential criminals.

Youngsters who behave badly or commit trivial misdemeanours will be put on the confidential register so that they can be monitored and supervised throughout childhood.

The controversial initiative is to be pioneered in 11 London boroughs from March and then expanded nationally. Any child who is thought to be at risk of committing a crime by the police, schools or social services, will be put on the database. Children involved in cheekiness, minor vandalism and causing nuisances, will be targeted under the scheme.

Their progress will then be monitored at school and on the streets by special squads of police officers and social workers, even though the children have not committed a crime and will not have been warned that they are being watched.

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