A recent poll found that those in the younger generation in Great Britain are willing to take action against hate speech—including, but not limited to, a Bible ban. According to those surveyed, hate speech can include quoting Scripture, speaking up for religious morality, and even praying.
According to Premier Christian News, “Nearly 25% of young Brits would support banning the Bible if they believed it contained ‘hate speech,’ reveals a recent poll conducted by Whitestone Insights.”
Great Britain Poll Says Younger Generation Open to Bible Ban
With every new generation within each culture, values, morals, and lifestyles change. Whitestone Insight recently conducted a poll to gain insight into the minds and hearts of young adults living in the U.K.
“The survey, which asked 2,088 UK adults about their stance on banning books perceived as having hate speech, highlighted that individuals aged 18 to 34 were most likely to agree with such measures (23%), followed by those aged 35 to 54 (17%),” reported Premier Christian News.
One in four of the young adults surveyed “would support banning the Bible if they believed it contained ‘hate speech,'” according to the poll. Those over 55 “were less likely to support a ban (13%).”
Londoner Carl Knightly, who serves in organizations including London City Mission, City Mission Movement, and Faith in Later Life, listened in on a presentation hosted by Empowering Christians on the findings from Whitestone Insight, as the poll results directly affect how he and fellow ministry leaders seek to reach and serve the people in the U.K.
He verbalized his appreciation to those who planned the “excellent and insightful time together today.” It was clearly helpful to reflect “on attitudes to Christian faith amongst the under 35s.”
Really grateful to @PigsAndPolling @WStoneInsight for convening an excellent and insightful time together today reflecting on attitudes to Christian faith amongst the under 35s. Also appreciated @PaulTWoolley @liccltd for hosting the session. pic.twitter.com/bymaOEJxPB
— Carl Knightly (@carlknightly) November 22, 2023
Concern Over Religious Censorship in the UK
Lois McLatchie, an author for Premier Christianity Magazine, serves with the Alliance Defending Freedom UK and recently spoke with GBNews.
During the interview, McLatchie referred to a recent case in Finland. Former minister Päivi Räsänen was accused and acquitted of hate speech. The hate speech in question involved quoting Scripture on marriage and sexuality in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
McLatchie said, “We may no longer be a majority Christian population here in Britain. That’s even more reason to protect freedom of speech and belief for all.”
She continued to provide examples of religious censorship Britain, such as the arrest of street preachers quoting Scripture in public and legal action against those praying silently outside abortion clinics.
Recently, Dr. Aaron Edwards filed suit against Cliff College in the U.K. for wrongful termination and “unjust treatment.” Edwards denounced homosexuality on social media and was put on administrative leave for a month while the college conducted an investigation. He was ultimately dismissed as a lecturer. Now, he claims the school violated his rights and abused him.
