A controversial new law making it an offence to incite religious hatred comes into force today.

The law closes a gap in race legislation that meant only Jews and Sikhs, who were deemed by the courts to be racial groups, were protected.

Other groups, including Muslims and Christians, were considered to be religious rather than racial so were thought not to have the same protection under the law.

Anyone convicted of the offence, which follows the introduction of the Racial and Religious Hatred Act, faces up to seven years in jail.

When first proposed the legislation was heavily criticised by some groups who believed it could outlaw comedians making jokes at religion's expense.

Blackadder star Rowan Atkinson was among those who warned that such measures risked undermining the freedom of satirists, comedians and writers, and legitimate discussion about religion and religious practices.

There were two attempts by the Government to introduce it, first in 2001 and then later with the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act. They faltered because of the concerns.

But ministers pressed for the law a third time because it was seen as an important counter-balance to anti-terror laws which can be seen to disproportionately target Brit-ain's Muslim population.

In the Act that was actually passed, ministers believe there is a high enough "threshold" built into the law to protect free speech.

The new offence is limited to threatening words or behaviour, and the prosecution must prove "intention" to stir up religious hatred.

A statement in the law protecting legitimate freedom of expression has also been included.

A Home office spokeswoman said: "With the racial hatred laws, you have to prove that what someone has said is 'likely' to incite racial hatred. That is what the freedom of expression lobby were unhappy about and said they didn't want in the new law.

"So it was changed to intent and now you have to prove that someone intended to incite religious hatred."

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "This Act closes this small but important gap in the law against extremists who stir up hatred in our communities.

"To be attacked or targeted because of your race or religion is wholly unacceptable.

"It can have a devastating effect on victims who can find themselves on the receiving end of bigotry and hatred.

"We are committed to protecting everyone in our society and legislating against this abhorrent behaviour.

"Our overarching goal is to build a civilised society where we can all achieve our potential free from prejudice."