Clause 58
Coroners and Justice Bill
9:00 pm
Roger Gale (North Thanet, Conservative)
With this it will be convenient to discuss new clause 36—Guidance on offences involving hatred on grounds of sexual orientation—
‘(1) The Secretary of State must issue guidance explaining the operation of the offences under Part 3A of the Public Order Act 1986 (c. 64) that involve hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.
(2) When considering whether to consent to a prosecution for an offence falling within subsection (1), the Attorney General must have particular regard to—
(a) guidance issued under subsection (1), and
(b) the importance of the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, respect for private and family life and freedom of assembly and association provided by the European Convention on Human Rights.’.