Early Day Motion·EDM 1535

FAITH GROUPS AND THE COMMUNICATIONS BILL

7 July 2003132 Signatures

Primary sponsor

Sir John Whittingdale

ConservativeMaldon

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the amendment to the Communications Bill passed in the House of Lords, which completely removes the present disqualification of religious organisations from holding various types of broadcasting licences; believes that the current ban is arbitrary and discriminatory towards faith groups throughout the country and that the existing regime provides adequate safeguards to ensure licences are only awarded to suitable applicants; and calls on the Government to support the Bill as amended.