Will we lose Freedom of Speech??

Even in the United States, despite the opinion of some, free speech is not absolute. Some restrictions have to be created in order to protect the safety and certain rights of others. However, in the United States there is no right not to be offended.

The infamous extremists of the Westboro Baptist Church protesting homosexuality at the funerals of fallen service members angers people on all sides of the political spectrum. While some believe there should be boundaries between these protesters and the grieving families, very few argue that they have no right to express their hateful views. Voltaire's famous and eloquent defense of tolerance and freedom of speech, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it," has become a reflective theme in America.

Freedom of speech doesn't seem to be as clear cut in the U.K. The Guardian informs us of an unnamed fifteen-year-old that was served a summons from the City of London for using the word "cult" on a sign to describe the Church of Scientology during a peaceful demonstration protesting the controversial religion. There has been an understandable outrage throughout the world over this incident, but the police were not outside the bounds of doing their job of enforcing the law. It is also important to note that their Human Rights Act Article Ten, granting freedom of expression, is much more specific in allowing restrictions for various reasons than our own Constitution.

The ridiculous element of this entire controversy is the very law the police were enforcing. After "strongly advising" him to remove his sign, they cited section five of the Public Order Act 1986 to the boy, before handing him a court summons and removing his sign. This law restricts free speech if it offends someone, and it opens the door wide for the "slippery slope" theory.

Here is a quote of the exact law in reference: 5. Harassment, alarm or distress. - (1) A person is guilty of an offence if he- (a) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or (b) displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting, within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby.

This law is disturbing in countless ways and is reminiscent of Orwell's 1984. It opens the floodgates to censorship and abuse of power. Even scarier, this law is similar to many of the "hate speech" laws politicians are trying to pass in America. Banning the free exchange of ideas just because they are insensitive, politically incorrect, or unpopular is a leap down a path toward destroying the very spirit and ideals behind individual freedom and responsibility....... cont @
http://pajamasmedia.com/?s=westboro+baptist+church

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[Faustis82]

It is because of people like the Westboro baptist church that make people reject God. I understand the need to warn people of their sins, but picketing funerals is not the right way. They will not save souls this way; they will only anger them more. Its funny they can say they hate America, and run and hide behind the American system when they are attacked. It's pathetic!

[Airbornesoldier1224]

These protesters have NO idea what we do over in Afghanistan.. .we are out there fighting for THEIR freedom to protest at OUR comrades' funerals. We risk our lives on a daily basis and this is what we get in return?

[Ettenyl56]

Whatever became of common decency? This is harassment. If someone followed you around calling you names would that be freedom of speech? This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. How long are we going to just excuse the deliberate acts of harassment and intimidation of others just to protect some misguided and self-righteous individuals' "rights"? What about the rights of those to PEACEABLY assemble for a funeral???

[Ettenyl56]

Grief is the most painful emotion that anyone can experience. To imply that words do not hurt those to whom they're aimed is to celebrate ignorance. No one has the right to inflict more pain upon anyone already suffering severe emotional pain over the lost of a family member. This is wrong! The line has to be drawn somewhere. This activity of hypocritical Christians is actually harassment. Since when does anyone have the right to harass others in the time of their grief and personal lost???

[DarknessUnresolved]

Ugh, someone ought to bomb the fuck outta these damn christians!

[nikthedick123]

@pgy002 where do you live man?

[pgy002]

I don't get the freedom of speech amendment, we do NOT have total freedom of speech anyway. You can be arrested for using profanity in public!

[NinjaGhostScorpion]

I'm hoping to get the number of the child protective services of Topeka, because once I get it, I'm reporting the WBC, having their children forcibly taken from them, and put in homes where they'll receive love completely devoid of the concept of God being a supervillain.

[toucan780]

There is a silver lining to all of this.

Old Fred is over 80 and the time will come to bury him will not be that far off. Talk about a fun festival when the WBC buries Old Fred,, it would be a lot of fun. There were be a long line as people waiting to take a leak over his grave. Knowing The WBC most likely will make a profit out it, by sellling to tickets to the funeral of Old Dead Fred and get in line to take a leakl on his grave,

[toucan780]

These people of the WBC are experts in using the system. They call the local police way in advance of their protests and have camcorders at arms reach.

The WBC have claimed there have been some beat downs of its members in the past but have not stepped forward with proof to support their claims.

There has been some property damage to the WBC compound in Topeka and that is about all.

It goes to show we are a great nation of the rule of secular law and not church law!