Baroness Claire Fox has launched a scathing attack against Labour, accusing the party of being "careless" with free speech in its Employment Rights Bill.
The crossbench peer told GB News the legislation would "sanitise where we have our most important conversations" and damage people's capacity to speak freely.
Her criticism comes as peers prepare to challenge what critics have dubbed a "banter ban" in Angela Rayner's flagship workers' rights overhaul.
The bill, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, requires employers to protect workers from harassment by "third parties" such as customers or clients.
Baroness Claire Fox blasted the governments for "being careless with free speech"
GB NEWS
Lord Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, has specifically highlighted how the bill could impact football matches, warning fans could be stopped from shouting "Are you blind?" at referees.
Baroness Fox told GB News: "It's going to sanitise where we have our most important conversations, some people might say, which is the informal public realm.
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"When we chat with our mates, when we row, when we say all sorts of things people can overhear.
"At the football grounds, and by the way the university sector where we've already had plenty of cancel culture going on, it is just another example where the government aren't attacking free speech, but they're careless about free speech.
"They don't recognise that this is going to damage our capacity to speak freely. It's an absolute disgrace. And I'm really worried about it. But we're going to do our best to fight back."
She added: "I’m afraid the sad news is they already are being [criminalised]. It’s just another thing to add to it. If you actually look at the football behaviour orders, all sorts of chants are now banned.
"People are being banned from their football grounds for being football fans and being a bit lively.
"They basically think that if we’re left on our own to chat, to talk, then we’re going to say things things that might be offensive to a particular viewpoint, a particular worldview."
Under the legislation, employers would be liable for failing to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent an "intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment" for people with protected characteristics.
Lord Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, has tabled a series of amendments to block the clause in the House of Lords.
The ban can be found in Angela Rayner's flagship workers' rights overhaul
PAThe Tory peer is seeking to exempt opinions on political, moral, religious or social matters from the legislation, provided they are not "indecent or grossly offensive".
He warned the proposed laws would have a "chilling effect" on free speech and is hoping to modify the bill before it becomes law.
The Employment Rights Bill is due to be debated by the Lords once Parliament returns after the Easter recess.
The Government maintains it is strengthening workplace protections to tackle harassment and protect employees from "intimidating and hostile abuse as well as sexual harassment".
