I AM a Muslim who is fanatical about peace and tolerance.

For that reason I stand against the laws on incitement to religious hatred, as put forward by the Government, and the more recent proposal regarding criminalising the glorification of acts of terrorism.

Extremist views feed on secrecy. Charging people with treason and locking them up for life for their views, no matter how objectionable they may be, will not solve the problem.

Instead it merely adds to the mystique of those convicted, granting them extra kudos among their followers, who will in turn interpret society's punishment as a vindication of their persecution, real or perceived.

Extremism tends to be based on the wilful or ignorant misrepresentation of accepted moral or religious principles.

Far better therefore to require extremists to explain to an informed and critical audience and justify their views, thereby exposing them for what they are.

If the Government is serious about tackling terrorism, then it should open a debate on deliberately waging war in such a way that the killing of civilians is calculated and inevitable.

Dr Roderic Vassie,

Belle Vue Cottages,

York.

Updated: 10:56 Thursday, August 11, 2005