In a candid interview with Fox News Digital, Lord Jackson of Peterborough – vice‑chair of the parliamentary group on religious freedom – warned that the United Kingdom is entering an “open season” on Christians. He described a troubling “two‑tier justice” system in which believers are increasingly targeted while extremist Islamist preachers appear to operate with impunity.
Allegations of unequal treatment
Lord Jackson, a member of the House of Lords since November 2022, said the disparity is evident in recent legal actions against Christian leaders. He highlighted the case of Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen, a Christian politician whose outspoken views on marriage and sexuality have sparked a protracted European debate over religious expression.
British authorities cancelled Räsänen’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) in July, effectively preventing her from speaking in person at a free‑speech event in Northern Ireland. Although she eventually received a visa on August 21, the timing forced her to address the audience remotely. Alliance Defending Freedom International, which represents Räsänen, called the cancellation a clear example of “lawfare” used to silence sincere, faith‑based beliefs.
Comparing faith‑based prosecutions
“We do not have the same free‑speech protections that are available to citizens of the United States,” Lord Jackson noted, emphasizing that Räsänen’s statements were rooted in Scripture – affirming that marriage between a man and a woman is central to societal stability. He argued that activists have weaponized her words to stigmatize and criminalize her faith.
Jackson further claimed that extreme Islamist preachers are allowed to preach openly in parts of the United Kingdom, while Christian pastors face harassment, street arrests, and legal challenges. “That cannot stand; it is completely unacceptable,” he asserted.
Parliamentary response and advocacy
According to the lord, a growing coalition of lawmakers and faith‑based advocacy groups – including Christian Concern and the Christian Institute – are mobilizing to defend religious liberty. He said they are providing legal support to those under attack and pressing for stronger protections within Parliament.
Jackson also linked the broader cultural conflict to everyday issues such as restroom access and religious symbols in the workplace. He cited cases where women who refuse to share changing rooms with transgender women or who proudly wear a crucifix at work are labeled as committing “microaggressions” under current policies.
Calls for action
“We’re fighting back in Parliament and outside Parliament,” Lord Jackson declared. He urged the UK government to reevaluate its approach to religious freedom, arguing that the Constitution‑based principles of free speech and parental rights should be upheld for all faiths.
The Home Office has not responded to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
