The Blasphemy laws votes

The details

On 7 February 2005, during the Report Stage of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill, the House of Commons voted on an amendment by Dr Evan Harris MP to abolish the offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel.

MPs voted against abolishing the offence by 341 votes to 82.

The Labour Party whipped its MPs to support keeping the blasphemy laws. Conservative MPs had liberty to vote according to their conscience. The Liberal Democrat Party whipping position is unknown. One Liberal Democrat MP (Mike Hancock) voted to keep the blasphemy laws; 25 Lib Dem MPs voted to abolish the blasphemy laws.

On 6 May 2008, MPs voted on a Government amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill to abolish the blasphemy laws.

MPs voted to support the abolition of blasphemy by 380 votes to 59.

The Labour Government whipped its MPs to support abolishing the blasphemy laws. Conservative MPs had liberty to vote according to their conscience. Every Lib Dem MP voting in the division supported repeal of the blasphemy laws.

How we recorded the vote

• Voted for abolishing the blasphemy laws
• Voted against abolishing the blasphemy laws
• Abstained or was absent on the vote for abolishing the blasphemy laws

Voting examples

An MP’s most recent vote has been taken to be their current position. So for an MP who cast a different vote in 2008 to their vote in 2005, we have used the most recent vote, that in 2008.

For example, Mike Gapes voted against repealing the blasphemy law in 2005, but voted in favour of abolishing the blasphemy law in 2008. Thus Mike Gapes has the designation: voted for abolishing the blasphemy laws.

For MPs who abstained or were absent in 2008, their vote in 2005 is taken to be their current position.

For example, Andrew Mitchell abstained or was absent in 2008 but voted for repealing the blasphemy law in 2005. Our statement of his position gives his vote in 2005. Thus Andrew Mitchell has the designation: voted for abolishing the blasphemy laws.