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Anti-homophobia campaigners were disappointed today, as the House of Lords voted to keep a controversial amendment to a bill designed to criminalise incitement of homophobic hatred.

The amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act permits the “discussion or criticism” of sexual practices, including the use of threatening language to urge someone to change their sexual orientation.

Comedian Rowan Atkinson and openly gay actor Christopher Biggins had argued for the amendment, fearing that the new bill could otherwise lead to prosecutions over ‘gay jokes’.

“Showbiz, camp theatrics and dazzling wit helped to pave the way for gay rights,” said Biggins. “They should be cherished, not suppressed.”

Lord Waddington, the Conservative Home Secretary under Margaret Thatcher who created the amendment, insisted that it would not legitimise homophobia. “One must look at the circumstances and the manner in which the words are spoken to see whether they were in fact threatening and driven by hate,” he said.

Incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation has been an offence in the UK since May 2008.

Posted in: Campaigns & Politics |