Plans to outlaw the incitement of religious hatred will not compromise traditional rights of free speech, a government minister has promised.

Plans to create a new offence of inciting religious hatred have prompted criticism from civil liberties campaigners.

Comedian Rowan Atkinson has also attacked the proposals, which are contained in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill.

The government has said the plans are necessary because extremists have side-stepped laws against racial hatred by attacking particular faith groups, especially Muslims.

Speaking on  BBC1's Breakfast with Frost, Fiona Mactaggart insisted that the legislation "is not about jokes, it is about inciting hatred".

"Free speech is not at threat but people who try to stir up hatred for a group of people because of their faith are at risk,"  the Home Office minister added.

"We want a society where that can't be done."