News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

tory-manifesto-main_article_image.jpg
PA
UK News

Tory manifesto 'extremism' pledge "a risk to civil liberty"

The Christian Institute says the Conservatives have "a lot of questions to answer" about their plans for a 'Commission for Countering Extremism'.

Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said: "If the Conservatives do form the next government and they press ahead with this Commission, they'll have to be very careful about who they appoint and what their mandate will be. It's no good filling it with politically correct zealots using their new powers to denounce their ideological opponents.
 
"Government lawyers will need to warn committee members that using the nebulous and indefinable concept of 'extremism' on its own as a basis for taking away freedoms is a serious risk to civil liberty.
 
"The word 'extremist' has been robbed of all meaning by activists who insist on using it to smear anyone who disagrees with them.
 
The Institute warns that there has already been a series of witch-hunts against people holding traditional views and that there are plenty of commentators and civil servants who already see mainstream, orthodox Christian views as dangerous.
 
Colin Hart continues: "This Commission on extremism might make a bad situation a whole lot worse.

"People labelled extremists in their own day include Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Wilberforce and the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Today, people like Germaine Greer and Dame Jenni Murray are vilified for 'extreme' views on transsexualism that actually represent the views of the great majority of people."

The Christian Institute is a non-denominational registered charity, which seeks to promote the Christian faith in the UK.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate