THE proposed legislation against incitement of religious hatred is, I believe, a threat to my own belief as a British Humanist.

Up to now, I have been able to refute any superstitious religious nonsense by explaining my Humanist belief.

For example, I live next to a church that advocates members knocking on doors and trying to persuade others to join them in order to be saved at the time of 'Armageddon.'

Until now, I have been able to answer any attempt to convert me with complete freedom and with no restraint from the state. I feel if this proposed legislation ever becomes law I will be unable to have the freedom to put belief in God on a par with belief in Santa Claus.

Religion proves, time and time again, that it is a man-made institution to control and frighten people, especially women, into compliance. This is the 21st century and that sort of thinking should be given short shrift, as should, in my opinion, any laws restricting ways of debunking outdated religious thinking.

MRS MICHELLE PICKERING, Olympia Street, Burnley.