Quote:
Originally Posted by truthspeaker
And about Freedom of Speech
We want to know the boundaries and limits to the term "Freedom of Speech" in the UK.
When Jews are ridiculed, it's Anti-semitism. When ethnic minorities are targeted, it's racism.
When Islam is defamed, it's "Freedom of Speech?
We call on the British Government to draw the lines for us, what's acceptable, what's not?
We want a common law for ALL.
We want to detach ourselves from these never-ending Double-standards.
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No, it is not against the law to ridicule anyone. Offensive to some? Yep, in bad taste? Almost certainly. If such things were illegal we wouldn't see much comedy on TV, like ever.
If anyone states that they
hate someone because of their religion, the colour of their skin or whatever, and want people to act on that hatred. That is incitement and is wrong, illegal and should be stopped.
Personally, I have massive skepticism about the validity of all religion, and it is my right to question anyone who conforms to them, as it is their right to believe and defend their beliefs in the same way I convey my views, which is in civil discourse.
Threats of violence over words is wrong and offensive, and if the threats have came due to questioning or ridicule, it is not the ones being targeted in the wrong.
If you want protection from people thinking your religion is nonsense, you're doing it wrong. Religion should be able to stand up to that, and it's no personal insult to anyone to call religion into question. If your beliefs are strong enough, you can ignore ridicule and criticism of your faith, safe in the knowledge that you are correct. By trying to shut people down for disagreeing with you, it is you who are trying to threaten freedom of expression.
The flip side? There are countries where it is illegal to be a certain religion, is that preferable? Especially if your religion is one that is banned in preference to another? Freedom of expression, including religion comes with the flipside that people are free to disagree with one another.