In a highly charged session in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Nick Timothy has introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill designed to prevent the UK’s Public Order Act from being utilized as a de facto blasphemy law protecting Islam.
The proposed legislation seeks to definitively block police, prosecutors, and judges from using existing harassment laws to police speech regarding religious beliefs, a practice Timothy argued constitutes a surrender to mob violence and “two-tier policing.”
The Return of Blasphemy Laws?
Addressing the chamber, Timothy noted that England and Wales formally abolished blasphemy laws in 2008, with Scotland following in 2021. However, he argued that “blasphemy laws are back,” driven by the misapplication of Sections 4 and 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.
Timothy argued that these sections, originally designed to prevent public harassment and distress, are now being weaponized to arrest and charge individuals for criticizing, satirizing, or mocking Islam. He argued that the threat of violence from offended parties is forcing the state to criminalize the speech of the offender to maintain public order.
“A person may be found guilty because of the violent reaction of those offended by their actions,” Timothy stated, referencing the Batley grammar school teacher who remains in hiding and the historic fatwa against Sir Salman Rushdie.
“No Special Treatment for Islam”
In a direct and provocative opening, Timothy explicitly stated his rejection of Islamic theology. “I do not believe that Muhammad was a prophet sent by God,” he told the House, adding that as a Christian, he does not mind if either Muhammad or Jesus is satirized or mocked.
Timothy warned of the increasing assertiveness of “organized political Islam in Britain,” pointing to the diaspora populations from Muslim-majority countries where blasphemy carries the death penalty. He argued his bill is a necessary line in the sand.
“It would send the strongest, powerful message from this place… that this country will not tolerate intimidation, violence, or censorship,” Timothy declared. “There will be no special treatment here for Islam. And there will be no surrender to the thugs who want to impose their beliefs and culture on the rest of us.”
The motion to bring in the bill passed via a voice vote without formal opposition. The bill is sponsored by a powerful coalition of Conservative figures, including former ministers Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat, and Sir Gavin Williamson, alongside Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, signaling significant right-wing political momentum behind the free speech initiative.
