UK Going Soviet On Free Speech
John Bingham at the Telegraph/UK reports on yet another government plan to squash free speech:
Anyone who criticises Sharia law or gay marriage could be branded an "extremist" under sweeping new powers planned by the Conservatives to combat terrorism, an alliance of leading atheists and Christians fear.Theresa May, the Home Secretary, unveiled plans last month for so-called Extremism Disruption Orders, which would allow judges to ban people deemed extremists from broadcasting, protesting in certain places or even posting messages on Facebook or Twitter without permission.
...But George Osborne, the Chancellor, has made clear in a letter to constituents that the aim of the orders would be to "eliminate extremism in all its forms" and that they would be used to curtail the activities of those who "spread hate but do not break laws".
He explained that that the new orders, which will be in the Conservative election manifesto, would extend to any activities that "justify hatred" against people on the grounds of religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability.
This "hatred" won't go away; it'll just go underground, which is the most unhealthy place for it to be. There it will just fester instead of being discussed -- which is how you argue against something and how other people are able to hear and maybe be persuaded by your arguments.
So, they're going to issue orders to punish people who don't violate the law?
What if someone violates the Orders. Will there be Instructions to curtail their activities?
And they wonder how they lost their empire.
Conan the Grammarian at November 3, 2014 8:05 AM
Orwell told us all, decades ago, that this is what was going to happen. Enabling Acts, secret police... it's all coming true. Watch for them to start declaring opponents "mentally incompetent".
Cousin Dave at November 3, 2014 9:14 AM
"We have never sought to restrict peaceful protest or free speech, provided it is within the law." So, we will make a new law. under which anyone quoting the Iliad will be punishable for spreading hate against all citizens of Troy.
John A at November 3, 2014 10:00 AM
Anyone who criticises Sharia law or gay marriage could be branded an "extremist"...
If you're for one of these you must be against the other. They are irreconcilable. Therefore everybody who is for one of these is an "extremist"!
DrMaturin at November 3, 2014 1:27 PM
England never had free speech.
Patrick at November 3, 2014 2:42 PM
I see UKIP gaining a larger share of the vote, in the next election.
Isab at November 3, 2014 3:34 PM
This is just wankery. No good will come from it, but it's easy and it feels like they're actually doing something. If they really had swinging dicks they would go up to Rotherham and clean house - that's abuse that needs to be addressed. But it's hard. And it might not work. And they would look like fascists. It's easier to just fantasize about controlling how people think.
Canvasback at November 3, 2014 9:16 PM
This is just wankery. No good will come from it, but it's easy and it feels like they're actually doing something. If they really had swinging dicks they would go up to Rotherham and clean house - that's abuse that needs to be addressed. But it's hard. And it might not work. And they would look like fascists. It's easier to just fantasize about controlling how people think.
Canvasback at November 3, 2014 9:21 PM
Leave a comment