Defend free speech -- repeal the word 'insulting' from Section 5 of the Public Order Act

255 seconds on why the Freedom Bill should repeal the word 'insulting' from Section 5 of the Public Order Act (applies to England and Wales only). The police have many important jobs to do, policing debate is not one of them.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Free
• speech
• police
• protest
• debate
• disagree
• section
• public
• order
• act
• dale
• mcalpine
• ben
• sharon
• vogelenzang
• andy
• robertson
• scientology
• street
• preaching
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• evangelism
• christian
• institute
• nick
• clegg
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[jonredhornet]

@amsterdammed71

Spot on amsterdammed71 . Is it really 'free speech' the CI are concerned about, or only their own right to criticise others (I suspect the latter).

[amsterdammed71]

@GoodFightLad There is nothing i enjoy more, than to rip the demented writings of St Paul up in front of placard waving christian nutcases, at gay pride. My bible, my koran: my right to rip it up, burn it etc should be protected.

Unfortunately, the christian institute is hypocritical: they want to ban adverts ridiculing catholic priests, and re-introduce the blasphemy law. you can't have it both ways. it is an obligation to ridicule christians because of their beliefs. Get used to it.

[JohnnyRock2000]

Abolutely correct. It's authoritarian law. Penalties could be increased. China and Russia enforced laws where the state felt "insulted". Executions occurred eventually.

[armoredinnerjacket]

When I was a 19 year old police officer in the UK I was trained to arrest homosexuals. How times change. I live in the US now where anyone can say anything and I have become used to it. Loss of liberty in the UK is appalling. I am an atheist but I support christians who want to say what they honestly believe. Yes INSULTED should be repealed so that only threatening or violent is a crime. George Bush senior said he didn't regard people like me as citizens - but I am allowed to say it.

[DarwiOdrade84]

I'm completely in favour of freedom of speech, it becomes a matter of policing your own conscience. So, for example, people who are so emotionally damaged and frightened of the world that they need to spend their time attempting to dehumanise others through their ridiculous pamflets are free to do so. At the same time, the rest of society should also be free to lable such action small minded, bigoted, and hateful without evangelical Christians screaming "PERSECUTION!" all the way to court.

[MrDannyJFair]

Freedom of Speech doesn't cover insulting or potentially insulting speech. Why should anyone be allowed to walk around tow centre stating that another person's way of life (homosexuality, for example) is wrong or "against the grace of God"?

[growguyuk]

i find use of this law distasteful--I am agnostic and dont hold with people discriminating against others-I think the B&B case was correct. However this law is written so anyone can theoretically be arrwted for anything. If I tell my sister shes gained a bit of weight she could feel insulted--should I be nicked foir that. Or you boss tells you your work is terrible, you look a mess andyour just a loser--should he be arrested. This law could be interpreted to say they should. Madness

[quantumofhate]

So you'r BEGGING THEM THEY ARE A BORISH POLITICAL ALEET.DID THE PEOPLE OF EGYPT BEEG MUBARIC. THINK DO THEY CARE ABOUT YOU? THE ANSWER IS NO THEY BLOODY WELL DON'T NOW YOU MUST DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO. V IS FOR VENDETA VICTORY STRUGLE IT HAS JUST BEGUN.

[Chill197]

Your advocating for facisim you are aware of that arnt you?

[Jools86]

I actually agree with this. As it can be true for oppositional stand points and contradicts democracy in this country.

[shoa31]

Religion implies that God does have human feelings and emotions.

[backtublive]

what is this stupidity , he told the police officers that there is no law , there is laws that police officers enforce what's wrong with you people .