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LONDON, UK, February 9, 2005: Controversial anti-hate speech legislation moved closer to becoming law in Britain on Monday, and religious and civil groups from across the political spectrum remain bitterly divided over its potential effects. Despite claims by the Labor government that proposals to outlaw speech inciting religious hatred will simply close existing legal loopholes, opponents from secular and religious groups claim that it will have a chilling effect on free speech. The legislation would outlaw “words, behavior or material [that] are… likely to be heard or seen by any person in whom they are… likely to stir up racial or religious hatred.” Earlier, former Home Secretary David Blunkett dismissed concerns that making jokes about religion would be outlawed.

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