Protesting. The boot is on the other foot.

[Derek]

Or maybe not on a foot at all but instead flying through the air towards someones face, entirely legally.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle7094311.ece

SCOTLAND YARD has bowed to Islamic sensitivities and accepted that Muslims are entitled to throw shoes in ritual protest — which could have the unintended consequence of politicians or the police being hit.

Now I'm not an expert on Islamic history and I'm aware the soles of shoes are seen as disgusting to some Muslims but I wasn't aware the throwing of shoes was a 'ritual'

Also surely allowing this to be done by Muslims and not other faiths is discriminatory?

Dozens of ski-boots and clogs were also hurled at the US consulate in Edinburgh in a related protest, in which three policemen sustained minor injuries.

Good effort, a pair of flip-flops is one thing, a pair of hob-nailed boots is quite another.

Who on earth came up with this idea? Obviously someone who hasn't been near a street in years and was wanting a promotion. Hopefully the next protest over cartoons etc. gets policed exclusively by office-dwellers. Let's see how happy they are to allow cops to get pelted with objects then.

bloody typical if I had my way there would be no consessions for Muslims

[Xaccers]

Since when do the police have the power to (re)write laws?

[Derek]

Originally Posted by Xaccers

Since when do the police have the power to (re)write laws?

Obviously you missed that meeting. It was the one at the docks.

Anyway they don't re-write the laws but they can give advice to parade/demonstration organisers as to what is/isn't allowed and what is likely to happen.

Something that would end up with a trip to HM B&B one day might get a stern look on another day.

[Xaccers]

What I mean is, and I'm sure you'd agree, if it's illegal to throw a shoe at someone, then it's illegal to throw a shoe at someone.
Sure they can turn a blind eye to somethings, ie someone doing 80mph down a straight motorway at 1am when no one else is on the road, pull them over, have a quick word to make sure the driver is only driving fast, tell them to slow down and have a safe trip home, or a bunch of protesters burning a flag or throwing shoes at building without breaking windows or hurting anyone, but when it comes to criminal damage or assaulting someone by throwing a shoe at them, how can they justify turning a blind eye to it?

[Derek]

Originally Posted by Xaccers

how can they justify turning a blind eye to it?

Because thats apparantly what Muslims do when protesting and of course some perceived 'right' to protest in the way they see fit trumps anything as petty as laws.

Its a total joke, someone whose sole purpose in life is to shine a chairseat has probably got a phonecall from someone saying this was happening and has thought "Ooh this is a good idea to prove how diverse I am" and issued an order that Muslim protestors can chuck shoes about the place without thought or consequence of what this will result in and now the decision is made they are so terrified of being accused of racism it'll never be changed back.

[Xaccers]

Originally Posted by Derek S

Because thats apparantly what Muslims do when protesting and of course some perceived 'right' to protest in the way they see fit trumps anything as petty as laws.

Its a total joke, someone whose sole purpose in life is to shine a chairseat has probably got a phonecall from someone saying this was happening and has thought "Ooh this is a good idea to prove how diverse I am" and issued an order that Muslim protestors can chuck shoes about the place without thought or consequence of what this will result in and now the decision is made they are so terrified of being accused of racism it'll never be changed back.

Sounds like they've been helping themselves to some of the green plant stuff in the evidence locker.

---------- Post added at 00:41 ---------- Previous post was at 00:17 ----------

Reading the article am I right in thinking that they're saying it's ok to throw shoes at the buildings, and basically also if you happen to hit a copper we'll not nab you?
Not quite "come and have a go at the copper shie" but pretty close.

[Lord Nikon]

Anyone else picturing sales of large sized heavy wear steel toecap bots with cleats going up n the near future then?

Possibly the sale of lead soled deep sea diving boots will increase too.

[Gary L]

Crazy. this country is crazy. we are being made fools of and there's nothing we can do.

Isn't this just a cut down version of Sharia law creeping in? it's illegal but not if you're a muslim.

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by Gary L

Isn't this just a cut down version of Sharia law creeping in? it's illegal but not if you're a muslim.

Yes Gary, that's exactly what it is, well done ...


Unless I'm reading this incorrectly:

- Throwing shoes at someone is legal on the grounds that it's a form of protest;
- Injuring someone (by whatever means) during a protest would still be contrary to law.

I would imagine this could be seen in the same way that simply swinging punches is not illegal in and of itself, but connecting with another person and causing them harm would then be contrary to the law.

So what if people want to chuck shoes about? Let them get on with it. When they start hurting people and not getting any sort of punishment then let's worry about it. That said though, there's enough drunken muppets about our towns on a Friday/Saturday night causing each other damage and getting away with it ...

[Russ]

Nobody is saying "Throwing shoes at people/objects in protest is illegal unless you're Muslim"

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by Rob M

Yes Gary, that's exactly what it is, well done ...


Unless I'm reading this incorrectly:

- Throwing shoes at someone is legal on the grounds that it's a form of protest;
- Injuring someone (by whatever means) during a protest would still be contrary to law.

I wonder if the police themselves are going to protest about having to be legaly assaulted by Muslims. if one or two get seriously injured as a result of these missiles will they just have to say oh well.

It's just a cultural thing. just tell them we are very sorry but somebody can get hurt. if you want to throw things at people then go and do it amongst each other.

[Russ]

Imagine the carnage if us non-Muslims were known for throwing eggs at politicians.

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by Russ

Imagine the carnage if us non-Muslims were known for throwing eggs at politicians.

Would they allow that part of our culture in their country. or would it be an insult and likely to mean you'll be shot?

[Russ]

Good point. Let's drag ourselves down to their level rather than rising above it.