13 December 2010

Balancing freedom of speech with the need to prevent incitement of hatred

He has promised not to break English law, although I don't know if he's aware how different it is to American law, particularly with regard to inciting religious hatred. If he said the things he has said in the United States then he would fall foul of English law and the fact he has been invited to speak by the English Defence League doesn't inspire much confidence," he says.

"British people can't say the things he has, so why should someone from outside the country be allowed to come here and say such things? No-one has the right to come to this country outside the EU. It is a privilege, not a right." And he believes the Government would have a strong case for refusing to allow him in.

"It is important that we have vigorous criticism of established religions and hold up their doctrines to scrutiny and under the law there are ways of doing this. But a speech designed to stir up hatred is where the line is drawn and that seems reasonable to me." [Yorkshire Post] Read more [via National Secular Society]