Filed under: Homosexuality, Politics | Tags: Christian, Gay, Homosexuality, Lesbian, Politics
I deliberated for some time as to whether to post this article. The controversy that surrounds Christianities view on homosexuality is something I generally try to steer well clear of. I have some really good Gay friends and while I would be able to explain to them what the Bible says about homosexuality, my theological background is somewhat lacking when it comes to how to approach any of the issues in depth. In short I would hate for them to think I was passing judgment on them, which admittedly many Christians do, and so generally refrain from discussing what I don’t fully understand.
Yesterday however proved to be a big day for Christians battling for freedom of speech, and I felt it would be crude to ignore what could have had disastrous consequences. Many Christians believe that the practice of homosexuality was not the best that God intended for us, on Tuesday their right to express such views verbally was nearly taken away, as the government deleted a free speech protection from its proposed homophobic hatred law, with violations resulting in up to seven years imprisonment (yes more than rape). Thankfully for both Christians and anyone in favour of protecting freedom of speech, the protection was reinserted yesterday stating that…
“for the avoidance of doubt, the discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices or the urging of persons to refrain from or modify such conduct or practices shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred.”
The protection underlines the fact that criticising homosexual practice or urging people to refrain from such conduct will not, in itself, be a crime. Words or behaviour which are threatening and intended to stir up hatred will understandably be caught by the offence, which carries a maximum seven year prison sentence.
I am not in any way condoning people who wants to go around shouting condemnation on homosexuals, this is neither helpful nor biblical, But I’ll happily admit my relief that the government hasn’t begun to enforce laws that deny a difference of opinion…yet.
For a full length account of the story visit The Christian Institute.
