The Law Reports (Appeal Cases)
[1979] AC 617
[HOUSE OF LORDS]
WHITEHOUSE RESPONDENT AND LEMON APPELLANT
WHITEHOUSE RESPONDENT AND GAY NEWS LTD. APPELLANT
[CONSOLIDATED APPEALS]
[ON APPEAL FROM REGINA v. LEMON]
1978 Nov. 20,
21,
22,
23,
27;
1979 Feb. 21
1979 Feb. 21
Lord Diplock, Viscount Dilhorne, Lord Edmund-Davies, Lord Russell of Killowen and Lord Scarman
Crime
— Blasphemous libel
— Mens rea
— Publication of homosexual poem concerning body of Christ after crucifixion
— Intent to blaspheme
— Whether essential element of offence
Law Reform
— Whether necessary
— Blasphemous libel
— Shock, outrage or insult to feelings of Christians
— Whether offence to be extended to protect religious beliefs and feelings of non-Christians