Freedom of speech?

[RogerS]

Saw this in the news. Freedom of speech in the UK? Not any more

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7413869.stm

 

[StevieB]

I think the problem is that he had no evidence to back up his claims, just a poster inciting hatred. It was a deliberately provocative act rather than an attempt at a reasoned debate or dialogue on the merits or otherwise of scientology.

Not defending scientology in anyway here, although all I really know about it is what gets printed in the general press (same as most people I suspect) but if he did the same thing outside a mosque or a catholic church the response would have been the same I suspect. To be fair to the police they will prosecute most offences like this - remember the guy with the sign after the mohammed cartoons in London saying 'behead those who say Islam is violent', he was prosecuted for that. Not much difference really - the line between freedom of speech and inciting hatred has to be drawn somewhere.

Steve.

 

[RogerS]

I think the problem is that he had no evidence to back up his claims, just a poster inciting hatred. It was a deliberately provocative act rather than an attempt at a reasoned debate or dialogue on the merits or otherwise of scientology.

Not defending scientology in anyway here, although all I really know about it is what gets printed in the general press (same as most people I suspect) but if he did the same thing outside a mosque or a catholic church the response would have been the same I suspect. To be fair to the police they will prosecute most offences like this - remember the guy with the sign after the mohammed cartoons in London saying 'behead those who say Islam is violent', he was prosecuted for that. Not much difference really - the line between freedom of speech and inciting hatred has to be drawn somewhere.

Steve.

Mmmm..I can see how the statement 'behead those who say Islam is violent' is inciting violence but the statement regarding Scientology is hardly inciting hatred is it?

 

[davegw]

Of course you have to remember that in the UK there is know law protecting freedom of speech.

 

[Slim]

It's a tricky one Roger. It would be different if the poster said "Islam isn't a religion, it's a dangerous cult", wouldn't it. The thing is, I don't think Scientology is an officially recognised religion in this country, so how can the same laws apply?

It all gets taken a bit far really. Entire countries (America in particular) are made fun of and put down on TV all the time, with no reprocusions.

Perhaps he should have ended his slogan with "IMO". Then it wouldn't have been a statement, it would have been an opinion.

 

[MrJay]

This was a public order issue. Waving a banner accusing Scientology of being a dangerous cult outside the Scientology HQ is, I guess, pretty much the same thing as setting up a meat is murder protest outside the local Butchers. It's an act that is designed to be confrontational and inflammatory.

That said, I think you should be able to set up protests outside Scientology Headquarters, Churches, Synagogues and Mosques and all power to Epic Nose Guy.

--edity--
The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that Epic Nose Guy wasn't doing anything bad and shan't be prosecuting. Hray!

 

[Smudger]

The CPS has now thrown the case out, saying that the words used can not be seen as insulting. Looks like there was an over zealous young copper on duty...

 

[tnimble]

This has absolutely nothing to do with freedom of speech. as said its all about keeping order and prevention of escalation. The question is where to draw the line when and what has an unacceptable risk of escalation.

Freedom of speech has nothing to do with the ability to protest (independent of if the protests was announced and sanctioned) nor with the right to provoke and insult.

IMO the western world has little freedom of speech, other parts of the wolrd have none at all.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Unfortunately this does not surprise me.

Last year I confronted an offender in the local park. 2 hours later I had Mr and Ms Bobby on the doorstep interviewing me about a possible public order offence, demanding to see the images on my mobile phone and informing me that I may risk prosecution. All this for confronting an individual who was breaking the law, daily and habitually with intent, but because she was 14 I was the pervert and paedo.

The world has gone mad, we're all doomed.
S

 

[Escudo]

I agree with you steve the world or a least this country has gone mad.

Why wasn't that bobby dealing with real crims. The druggies and burglars, vandals and louts who make all our lives a misery.

My father-in-law is a crackpot, when he tries to preach to me apart from telling him to shove-off (try not to upset the missus) I always end up saying..."go back to your cult you fool or words to that effect".

Perhaps they will arrest me next? Still I might get some peace in hard rock. (Apparently there is a woodwork shop in the prison)

T

 

[Digit]

And apparently being correct in your description is no defense.
Lovely place now our country.

Roy.

 

[devonwoody]

It wasn't speech, so freedom of speech does not apply?

It was a poster?

 

[Digit]

The police now, as they have admitted, often take the easy option to meet targets.
They recently arrested a market trader for selling 'T' shirts emblazoned with 'Bollocks to Blair!'.
A sentiment echoed around here on nearly every farm vehicle!

Roy.