Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

The law doesn't give a grading on offence.
Under section 5 the court will have to decide if the comments the hoteliers came out with are insulting.
We unfortunately do not have all the facts to hand, so it's hard to say if the court will go one way or another.
I'd be suprised if they're found guilty, or if they are that they're given much of a punishment.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

Are you saying that they should have their right of freedom to speech removed? For expressing their freedom to speech in the first place?

And would the same be applied to non muslims, born and bread in this country who I have witnessed insulting British troops on quite a few Stop the War Marches I have been on.

By the way the muslims that demonstrated in Luton - they don't represent me or the majority of muslims I know. There are ways to demonstrate and to speak out against things. At a home coming parade is not one of them.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

And as my Granddad used to say "Don't ever be afraid of speaking your mind"

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

Yep and there is speaking your mind with respect for others and then there is speaking your mind to insult others.;)

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

As I stated in post 102, & the same applies to anyone. Its one thing to demonstrate, quite another to call soldiers, "Murderers". Dont you agree?

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

I personally don't agree with the war in Afganistan or the presence of British troops in Iraq.

My demonstrations (via organised marches) have never been against individual soldiers but against the governments that have sent them to fight.

I would never abuse a soldier be it at a home coming parade or in a demonstration.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

The old free speech debate - - again.......

It's not difficult to understand.

You are entitled to an opinion, and you are entitled to express that opinion.

But it's not a black and white issue, you must use common sense and civility when expressing that opinion.

It is perfectly OK to offend, and insult (Winston Churchill being a master).

But it's not ok to incite, abuse, etc.

I am perfectly within my rights to say that I do not agree with many of the interpretations of Islam, and that I find some of the actions of islamic states abhorrent.

I could walk round with a placard that said "Put an end to islamic femail circumcision now"
Outside a mosque, and be perfectly within my rights of free speech.

But what I couldn't do is walk round with a placard saying "Mohammed is the devil and all muslims are evil"

Similarly, muslims or anyone else, are entitled to have "stop the war" banners, even at repatriation ceremonies - most of the families there would agree the sentiment I'm sure.

But they are not allowed to call the soldiers murderers etc.

It's common sense.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

Saaf_laandon_mo,

You are free to demonstrate as long as you wish, should you want troops out, demonstrate against the Government, thats your right. As to your last paragraph, thank you.

Pierre.

You put it so much better than me. Why didn`t you post 10 laps ago & save me the trouble.:)


There is nothing more heartwarming than to parade in front of a public, who appreciates what your doing.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

I'll stick with speaking my mind for now, that way people will know exactly where I stand. And you can just shut up! If that's what you prefer. ;)

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

There's no issues with you or anyone speaking their mind as long as it's within the confines of whatever law governs where you are whether it's out on the street or on an internet forum.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

Politeness costs nothing even if you do disagree with someone.Name calling means you are losing the argument...;)

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

Which would, obviously, never happen on CF - no ad hominem attacks here! :D

Agree to disagree.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

Religion is evil. if you upset someone about their beliefs, there's a good chance they'll kill you for it.

We need God to give us a sign that we're all being ridiculous.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

And in time-honoured tradition, just as peace descends on this type of thread, the armchair experts arrive to tell us, totally off-topic, that they disagree with religion and how wrong it is.

Re: Christians arrested for defending their beliefs
 

I'd say there was a better chance that they'd forgive you....