Is this a sign of things that are on its way to the United States? Our values are being rejected and we have already seen the beating of a street preacher and church vandalism right here on our soil. Other countries are already dealing with these issues and Christians aren't winning.
Hate Crime Bill: Atheists Plan to Target Christians for 'Spreading Hate'
The government says that the act has been written to protect freedom of speech. Eg.
"70. Section 11 provides that behaviour or material is not to be regarded
as threatening or abusive for the purposes of the offences relating to
stirring up of hatred under sections 3 and 5 solely because it involves or
includes the discussion or criticisms of religion or religious beliefs or
practices, proselytising, or urging of persons to cease practising their
religions.
"71. As such, the act of, for example, writing a newspaper article or blogpost urging followers of a particular religion to cease practising their religion
and convert to another religion could not be regarded, of itself, as
behaviour which is abusive towards followers of that religion. However, if,
for example, the article or blog-post made abusive comments about
followers of that religion, or threatened them with violence, it could still
amount to behaviour that is threatening or abusive.
"72. Section 12 provides that behaviour or material is not to be regarded
as threatening or abusive for the purposes of the offences relating to
stirring up of hatred under sections 3 and 5 solely because it involves or
includes discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices or the urging
of persons to refrain from or modify sexual conduct or practices.
"73. As such, the act of, for example, writing a newspaper article or blog
post which claimed that same-sex sexual activity was wrongful could not be
regarded, of itself, as behaviour which is abusive towards people who are
lesbian, gay or bisexual. However, if, for example, the article or blog-post
made abusive comments about people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, or
threatened them with violence, it could still amount to behaviour that is
threatening or abusive."
This article is from 2015. According to this
"One man with God is in the majority": Britain's 'most arrested' street preacher in victory for free speech – again no charges against him have been sustained. I agree that it's harassment to keep arresting him.