Monday, May 17, 2010

Freedom of speech must be defended, even for homophobes

Yes, it must.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has dropped all charges against homophobic Christian street preacher, Dale McAlpine, shortly after gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell offered to testify in defence of his right to free speech.

Mr McAlpine, 42, was arrested in a street in Workington on 20 April, after condemning homosexuality as a sin. He was charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, contrary to the Public Order Act 1986.


Britain used to be a bastion of free speech and there was a time when anyone could put out a soap box and say whatever they wanted. Thanks to the pc brigade, that is no longer the case. I hope Cameron recinds this act.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

And here here to Peter Tatchell, who should be held up as an example to all. We are not against gays or gay rights, only against redefinition of normal. But here's a guy who understands that free speech for those who's opinions you don't like is just as important as free speech for those you do. Well done, Pete, I wish I could shake your hand.

Doc

Anonymous said...

While I applaud Tatchell's defense of free speech, I decry the use of the term "homophobic" as hateful effort to portray all who condemn homosexuality as "homophobic". "Homophobia" has never been listed as part of a clinical taxonomy of phobias, neither in DSM or ICD, and there is no evidence that people who oppose homosexuality do so out of irrational fear that controls their actions.

Attacking critics as "homophobes" is an effort to de-legitimize their arguments by attacking them personally as lunatics. This strategy is despicable and should be condemned.

And for the record, I don't give a damn about a person's orientation. I give weight to honesty of character and reliability in friendship.

Anonymous said...

While I applaud Tatchell's defense of free speech, I decry the use of the term "homophobic" as a hateful effort to portray all who condemn homosexuality as "homophobic". "Homophobia" has never been listed as part of a clinical taxonomy of phobias, neither in DSM or ICD, and there is no evidence that people who oppose homosexuality do so out of irrational fear that controls their actions.

Attacking critics as "homophobes" is an effort to de-legitimize their arguments by attacking them personally as lunatics. This strategy is despicable and should be condemned.

And for the record, I don't give a damn about a person's orientation. I give weight to honesty of character and reliability in friendship.

novaculus

 
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