Eleven responses were received by the Department of Home Affairs during a public consultation held over the draft Anti-Terrorism and Crime (Amendment) Bill 2010.
As a result of the consultation, the Department is to amend the Bill in respect of two clauses, as well as making minor changes and corrections.
The offence of encouraging susceptible people to join or support terrorism has been changed. The offence is now incitement of terrorism, which provides for the protection of freedom of speech. The other relates to trespass on a designated site, which the DHA has decided to withdraw from the Bill.
Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK said: ‘I am very grateful for the responses we received. The consultation enables us to review aspects of the Bill that people have concerns about, and assists us in ensuring new legislation meets our international obligations while remaining appropriate and proportionate for the Isle of Man.
‘The small number of responses received would suggest the majority of people are content with the Bill’s proposals. However, comments made by those who did respond were pertinent and have assisted us in revising certain clauses.’
The purpose of the Anti-Terrorism and Crime (Amendment) Bill 2010 is to introduce further provisions into the Anti-Terrorism and Crime Act 2003 and the Terrorism (Finance) Act 2009 in order to keep the Island’s legislation up to date with developments in terrorism legislation elsewhere. It will also enable the Island to comply with international conventions in relation to terrorism and ensure that it meets international standards determined by international bodies such as the IMF and the Financial Action Task Force.
The public consultation was held from August 2 to September 20, 2010 and the full Summary of Responses is available from the DHA and published on the consultations section of the Department’s website at: http://www.gov.im/dha/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=175
It is intended that the Anti-Terrorism and Crime (Amendment) Bill 2010 will be go before the House of Keys for its first reading on November 23.
ENDS
Friday 22nd, October 2010 02:30pm.
