Labour accused of ‘banter ban’ as football fans could be stopped from shouting ‘Are you blind?’ at refs under new law
FOOTBALL fans could be stopped from shouting “Are you blind?” at refs under Labour’s “banter ban”, a peer has warned.
Lord Young fears the Employment Rights Bill will threaten free speech as bosses would be liable to be sued by their staff for any harassment.
He said it could mean a partially-sighted steward could take a club to court if offended by chants.
He added: “It would force clubs to insist on absolute silence during matches.”
Angela Rayner’s law makes bosses liable for failing to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent an “intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” for people with a protected characteristic like a disability.
Fears have also been raised of pubs stopping punters from speaking on contentious issues in case if offends bar staff.
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Ministers have categorically denied that the sweeping legislation will impose curbs on offensive remarks.
A government spokesman told The Times: “The Employment Rights Bill will not affect anyone’s right to lawful free speech, which this government stands firmly behind.
“Upsetting remarks do not fall within the definition of harassment.
“We are strengthening workplace protections to tackle harassment and protect employees from intimidating and hostile abuse as well as sexual harassment.”
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