Militant Islamic group banned

[duchesse]

News story here. For some reason the banning makes me more uneasy than the group itself. It just doesn't feel very British to go around banning beliefs. I suppose I have enough trust in the tolerance/apathy of the UK population to think that nobody would take them at all seriously, and they might be few enough in number to round up if/as soon as they start kicking off. Banning just seems..wrong, somehow, basically it's what exremists do.

Any thoughts?

Yep, I do have thoughts...but If I told you what I thought of your post I'd probably get banned....

I think that any group that advocates hatred or violence or engages in that, or tries to recruit others to its cause of hatred and violence, should be banned. Freedom of speech does not and should not extend to actively trying to cause harm to others.

I hate the fact that the bnp is not banned from marching. They say they are peaceful, they claim they don't preach violence or hate, but we all know they are lying. This group is no different to the bnp. The only difference is the group of people they hate.

Well basically according to their own banner on last night's news they don't believe in freedom so they have got their own way really. Seriously these guys are just out for provocation like naughty school kids.

They have been banned from marching because of this, quoted from the article

"Under the Terrorism Act 2000, a group can be banned if it "commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for, promotes or encourages terrorism or is otherwise concerned in terrorism".

Groups can also be outlawed if they "unlawfully glorify the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism". "

and the quote underneath that in the article is really quite chilling and I do think this is the right course of action.

This has nothing to do with the bnp, it is a seperate group and seperate issue

It's a tricky and fine line. I suppose the difference with these types is that their religious belief stumbles over into political incitement with the sharia stuff. There's nothing wrong with wanting Islam to be a dominant religion, but there is something wrong with wanting to destablize a democratic government.

Yeah, I saw the banners on the news last night as well, something along the lines of love Islam, hate Freedom.

On one level, I do think banning them is a good idea; I wish that such groups didn't exist, BUT - banning them can end up adding to their appeal and pushing them underground. It's a tough situation.

"This has nothing to do with the bnp, it is a seperate group and seperate issue"

I disagree. The issue is do we allow a group that advocates hatred and violence to march and to be free to preach that hatred and violence. I think that covers many groups.

well i think it is the govts fault for allowing all the focus to be on Wooton Bassett (sp?) every single time - this was obviously going to be the result sooner or later

Unfortunately, Hequet, the BNP is a legitimate Political Party so cannot be banned.

before it is pointed out, i know of it's significance etc. however, there were other places nearby that should have been up for consideration, slightly different routes to take which would have prevented the media cirus and backlash

Does this have to descend into another thread about the BNP? Fwiw, the difference between them and Islam4UK is that the BNP wants to work within the current system, however odious their views, while Islam4UK, I believe, wants to promote the Caliphate which would undercut our democracy.

Yes, Lizzy. Sadly. I still wish they could be banned on the grounds that they preach hatred though.

but you are right, that bit is certainly a separate issue, I know.

I am by no way an advocate of the BNP I just think it muddies the water if it is brought into this kind of debate (and of course it needs to be debated, that is without question)

I'm with you there Heqet (sorry for random "u" before!).

The problem is that we may end up with people being attracted to groups like Islam4uk due to the seemingly inequality of banning them but letting the white extremists have a "voice".

seeming inequality, sorry, not much sleep!

tispity, I don't see why the authorities should change the route to avoid people showing their respect for the coffins. That would be scandalous.

Just one last thing - I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry but I have to say it. Kay - "the BNP wants to work within the current system, however odious their views" - if they EVER got into power, you could kiss goodbye to democracy. They are playing the game now because they feel that's their best chance, but if they ever got into power - you see how much freedom and democracy we have then.

Will shut up and piss off now. Promise.

It's all a bit fuzzy round the edges, though, when you look at why they're going to be banned 'Promotion of terrorism' etc. If it was simple sedition I'd understand it better, but it does seem to be on the 'promoting hatred' grounds which is such a wobbly definition.

and it seems almost all of those involved in the disgusting abuse of returning troops marching through Luton live on benefits. If they hate the British state so much, why are they taking our money?

I am rarely in favour of the 'if you don't like it off you fuck then' approach (except to ruddy celebs and the rich who think their views will somehow sway voters) but in these cases it seems appropriate.

If they promote violence or terrorism then they should be banned, however the problem with that is that it will give them even more publicity and may actually lead to recruiting more members, It will also increase the general irrational muslim-hating bragade, and give parties like BNP material to gain votes
I dont understand religious extremism, whether muslim or christian, why cant people just practice their religions quietly and peacefully instead of throwing it peoples faces.

Heqet, I know, I am vociferous in my opposition of them, and agree they would change the country for the worse should they ever get into power. But they haven't started out with the expressed aim of demolishing democracy, which Islam4UK has.

I'm not trying to be arsey, I just feel like I'd have to stab my eyes with knitting needles if I had to read another thread on the BNP

Yes, I agree Edam. I like to think of myself as liberal, but when they were standing about with their hate Freedom signs, I was thinking "fab then. Go live in a Muslim country if you hate democracy so much".

sorry Kay. Can I soothe you with a custard cream?

A custard cream will do nicely - a ginger snap and I'm anyone's.