When does Freedom of Speech cross the line to become a criminal offence?

**Kelly d** · 3rd November 2010, 08:21

I was having a good conversation with my Dad earlier today about the Al-Queda preachers who practice their extremist views while in their Synagogs.

The extremist preachers are allowed to preach hatred and terrorism based on freedom of speech.

I agree with our freedoms 100% but when does it cross the line?

I am not allowed to wear anything with the St George, the St Andrew or Confederate flag because it is offensive to Muslims yet they are allowed to teach hatred against anyone who may wear one of these symbols.

Veteran's and Rememberence Days are just around the corner. We have so many issues to Thank our Veterans for! Our freedoms of course but the fact they must defend us against people in our own nations who are given freedom of speech to preach their message of hatred.

God Bless all our Veterans and Troops!

**Ranald** · 3rd November 2010, 13:15

Yes there is a problem.....

However you say

"......but the fact they must defend us against people in our own nations who are given freedom of speech to preach their message of hatred."

That is not something for the Armed Forces, but for governments to implement and/or make and enforce new legislation.

Ranald

"

**Kelly d** · 4th November 2010, 12:28

Ranald have you been following the jiate lady who stabbed an MP at one of his surgeries? It was in the morning's newspapers, showing pictures of the Al-Queda supporters in the actual Court House demonstrating. Their messages said loud and clear, American and British citizens, we will send you to hell...

They were allowed to stand in a court house in London and carry all these horrible signs.

What I meant by our troops having to fight in the above post should have read fight on foreign soil.

**Glesgalass** · 4th November 2010, 23:48

I believe there are laws in place which prohibit using freedom of speech to incite racism or hatred against any particular religion. I know laws like this exist in Australia and I was under the impression also in the UK.

BTW Kelly, I also get very annoyed at those far right wing Christians too who spout a lot a hate messages. They are just as bad as the fanatical Muslims.

Elda

**Kelly d** · 5th November 2010, 01:25

Elda,

I completely agree with you. I had a preacher tell me once that my Grandmother who was a very devout Christain and a good woman was going to hell because she did not speak in tongues. The man was bodily thrown from my house.

**you** · 10th February 2011, 15:48

why would wearing a st andrews flag offend anyone?

**Kelly d** · 11th February 2011, 12:47

Where I live, we are told not to wear the St George or the St Andrews because it may offend the muslims. The buses and trains can refuse you service as can shops if you wear a shirt or jacket depicting these symbols. You can wear the Lion, Unicorn or Griffyn(?) is that right for Wales- but not the flags..

I cannot fly both my Union or my Stars and Stripes on Remembrance Day, the police stopped by and told me to take them down.

**Glesgalass** · 11th February 2011, 22:46

Originally Posted by Kelly d

Where I live, we are told not to wear the St George or the St Andrews because it may offend the muslims. The buses and trains can refuse you service as can shops if you wear a shirt or jacket depicting these symbols. You can wear the Lion, Unicorn or Griffyn(?) is that right for Wales- but not the flags..

I cannot fly both my Union or my Stars and Stripes on Remembrance Day, the police stopped by and told me to take them down.

It's actually bad manners, in my opinion, to fly the flag of another country other than the one in which you live. An Australian woman in the US was asked to take down her Australian flag when she raised it for Remembrance Day. However, it's ridiculous that you can't use the St George or St. Andrews as they ARE flags of the country in which you are living. That is political correctness carried too far.

Elda

**Kelly d** · 12th February 2011, 03:10

This is where different aspects of teaching comes in. I was in the colour guard in ROTC during high school and we were taught, the flag of the Nation you are in is always at top and your country or state goes below it on a flag pole. I see the States are getting as politically correct as everyone else by not allowing your friend to fly their Australian flag. This is the first I have heard of others being denied their right to fly a flag in the USA. I know there is a controversy surrounding the Confederate Battle Flag but one is allowed to fly it on their own personal properties.

**apictish1** · 25th February 2011, 10:24

I had the Saltire up outside my home in Charlottesville, Virginia for probably two years - nobody ever said anything.
Now I'm flying a red, rampant lion on a yellow field and the only comment I've so far received was something like, "Wow, your home really is your castle."