Britain May Criminalize Religion-Based Offenses

Prompted by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the British government announced this week proposals for new legislation that would criminalize religion-based assaults.

Just as racially motivated crimes are considered a criminal offense, the proposals would have parliament declare “religious aggravated” offenses a new category of criminal offense, said Home Secretary David Blunkett.

The proposals, among emergency legislation the British Parliament will soon consider, would also outlaw the spread of religious hatred, according to the Associated Press. British law forbids the spread of racial hatred.

Blunkett said he would fight “the war on terrorism on every front” by pushing to strengthen asylum and extradition laws, giving police greater access to passenger travel records, and requiring financial institutions to report activities they believe may be connected to terrorism.