Sir, The Government claims that its new Bill will target only those whose aim is to incite religious hatred and will not prevent “criticism, commentary or ridicule of faiths” (report, June 10; see also letters, June 13).

Historical precedent suggests otherwise. In 1737 Sir Robert Walpole introduced a theatre licensing Act which was intended to target only the supposed scurrilous excesses of contemporary satirical playwrights.

It was used as a very blunt instrument to suppress, on the English stage, any expression of serious thought on religious, moral or political issues for the next 230 years.

That was not Walpole’s intention; and it is not the intention of the present Government to stifle free speech. But its new Bill, as did Walpole’s, will have exactly that effect.

DAVID THOMAS
(Emeritus Professor of Theatre Studies)
University of Warwick
Coventry

From Mr Paul Rhodes

Sir, Robert Maxwell used existing libel laws to prevent anyone investigating the real nature of his activities. Can we be certain that no Christian, Muslim, atheist or Satanist group contains anyone willing to exploit the proposed law in order to cover up illegal or unsavoury activities?

PAUL RHODES
Reading, Berkshire

From Mr Tom Foulkes

Sir, The idea of politicians attempting to legislate on religious belief sums up virtually everything that I am sceptical about.

TOM FOULKES
Fleet, Hampshire

Explore Letters

• Feedback