Have you rented a Mr. Bean movie lately?

In what may be a publicity stunt, or may be something he actually believes in, Rowan "Mr. Bean" Atkinson:

...is to warn MPs that a Bill outlawing the incitement of racial hatred could undermine free speech and stop comedians making fun of religion.

Atkinson will head a coalition of comedians, writers and academics at the launch of a campaign against elements of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill tonight.

The Bill, due for its second reading this week, will create a new offence of incitement to religious hatred to protect faith groups - particularly Muslims - from hate attacks...

But a Home Office spokesman defended the Bill, insisting it would not interfere with the right to free speech.

She said: "There is a clear difference between criticism of a religion and the act of inciting hatred against members of a religious group.

"The incitement offences have a high criminal threshold and prosecutions require the consent of the Attorney General."

Based on recent actions in this area, I'd say they're wrong.

Privacy · Mon, 12/06/2004 - 15:22 · · Importance: 1