HL Deb 12 June 1860 vol 159 cc321-2

Bill read 3a (according to Order).

THE BISHOP OF OXFORD

proposed an Amendment rendering it penal to be guilty of any indecent behaviour in a church, whether during Divine service or at any other time. This was intended to meet the case of persons staying behind after service to sing hymns, which was one of the forms which indecent conduct had lately assumed.

LORD CRANWORTH

said, that the Bill was aimed against indecent behaviour in churches at any time; and therefore he did not see the utility of the proposal.

Amendment withdrawn.

LORD WENSLEYDALE

proposed a clause somewhat mitigating the penalties imposed by the statute of Philip and Mary, but re-enacting the power which was given by that Act to any person to seize and convey before a magistrate any one offending in church.

LORD CRANWORTH

did not propose to repeal the Act of Philip and Mary, so that any portion of it which remained in force would continue to do so; but he begged their Lordships not to be led by their indignation at what had recently been taking place to enact a provision so little in accordance with the general spirit of our law as to give any person power to seize any other person—not in flagrante delicto, but at any time—and to convey him before a magistrate on a charge of misbehaviour in a church. It had been said that "hard cases made bad law;" but let them not make bad legislation.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

also opposed the Amendment, saying that, although he was as anxious as anybody to put an end to such disgraceful scenes as had recently occurred, he did not think that this was the proper way to attempt it.

Amendment negatived.

Amendments made.

Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.

House adjourned at Ten o'clock, till To-morrow, Eleven o'clock.